Decorating & Traditions

It's official.  All our decorating is done.  We finished yesterday evening after I got home from work.

It all began on Monday, when we put up my Nativity set.

This was always a fun tradition growing up.  In the Baldwin home, we didn't set up the Christmas tree until the week before Christmas.  But, we always set up Mom's Nativity in the beginning of the month... usually the first Monday in December for FHE.  I really liked this tradition because it helped me realize the true meaning of Christmas or "reason for the season".

On Friday, I bought a Poinsettia to bring some Christmas-ness to our home.... and a little color.    The Amarillus, I planted a few weeks ago, is starting to turn green.  I planted it late on purpose because I wanted it to bloom after Christmas.  My Aunt gave me some Paper-whites she planted a while ago that will bloom soon though!  I love that I can still have flowers in DECEMBER!!!

Saturday, after I got home we went to a Christmas Tree farm here in town and found a tree!  I never had a real tree before I was married... but I think now that I've had one, I can never go back!   I love the smell!  I also am loving having a FRESH cut tree instead of getting it from a bigger dealer.  We pretty much had no needles come off while transporting and setting it up :)

This is our finished product:

I found this ornament last year, it is one of my favorites.  My Mom hangs one similar.

After the tree, we looped tinsel along the banister, and on the piano.  We hung our stockings, and then Briant vacuumed... Thanks B!

One of my favorite things to do when I was little was to sit alone with the lite up Christmas Tree.  I turned off all the other lights and just sat there gazing at the tree.  Sometimes I would even play Christmas music.

Of course I did this last night for a few minutes before bed.  I have made this into a traditions for myself.  I just like the peacefulness of this season and this is one way I can feel that to myself.

  I was sitting next to the Nativity and I couldn't help but snap this picture with my phone.  I kinda like it. 

Another Christmas tradition is Christmas Candies.  Today... & maybe next week too, I think I will make some.  Just a few; Caramels, Fudge... I'm thinking about attempting Orange Fudge.  I may have to start making Sugar cookies every year for Briant since he loves them so much.  I also found a great and easy recipe for Gingerbread men...

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TRADITIONS?