Christmas time is here!

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." -Agnes M Pharo

I'm so excited for this Christmas season! The kids are finally understanding what this holiday is all about, and I love seeing the light in their eyes when they see pretty decorations, or hear a new Christmas story. I decorated the front of the house on Friday, thanks to my dad! On Sunday we got the inside mostly done. We still need to buy a tree for the kids in the back. I got a train to go around it this year... I can't wait!! We have a beautiful wooden advent calendar in the back for the kids and two books, The Night Before Christmas, and The Three Trees. Both good stories! The living room is for me. My tree is one to remind us of Christ. Each item on there represents Him in some way. There are doves, trumpets, hearts, pinecones, bells. My favorite ornaments are these pretty pearly balls that have a different name for Christ used in the scriptures... there are 24 balls all together. I also have my nativity on my mantle. I looked for a clear nativity for years, and finally found it 2 years ago. I hope it lasts forever. It looks so pretty with the lights behind it. Overall, I think the living room is peaceful and serene. It's nice to just sit and listen to Christmas music in there. What a wonderful time of year!