Peace. Love. Joy.

You can feel the excitement in the air, at least I seem to feel it this year.  I haven’t been much in the Christmas spirit in recent years, I’m not really sure why.  For whatever reason,  I actually feel like Christmas is a happy event this year.

With this new found excitement, decorating the house this past weekend wasn’t as stressful as it has been in years past.  Brian and I have been putting up less decorations then we have previously, but it still feels festive and like Christmas in our home.

The decorating must begin with the Christmas tree  . . .

and McKenzie is never far from the action . . .

After our daughter moved out we were left with very few ornaments.  I’ve been trying to buy a few each year.  She commented on how few ornaments we have on our tree, then gave a chuckle, knowing all of the ornaments were hers, and went with her when she moved out.

Collecting ornaments for her was one of my favorite traditions.  Each year from the time she was born I would purchase an ornament for her.  I began with a collection of Lenox ornaments, my favorite collection is the Night Before Christmas series.  Each ornament, depicts one section from the book.  Sometimes she comments on an ornament and asks if I remember why she chose that particular ornament, the stories associated with each ornament brings back good memories.  A tradition I know she will continue with her baby.

After an entire day of unpacking boxes, fixing our home to feel the love and peace of Christmas, the finale of course is the lit Christmas tree.

May you and your family find the Peace, Joy and Love that Christmas brings.  Please keep in mind Christmas is so much more than buying presents.  Of course it’s fun to give and to get, but it’s the memories of Christmas that will last a lifetime, just like the ornaments, each Christmas has it’s own special meaning.

And to all a good night . . .

Until we meet again, thank you for stopping in and catching up with me . . .