A Christmas Tradition

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is taking the kids to the Purdue Memorial Union to see the Christmas tree and gingerbread house. Nothing smells like Christmas more than a giant, fresh tree and a life-sized gingerbread house. Jaclyn and I got to go twice this year. We took our annual trip with my besties Jen and Erin with all of our little besties, Jaclyn, Ali, and Andrew. Then a few days later Jeremy and I headed over with the kids. Such fun!

The view from the upstairs balcony of the tree.

Me and my girl on our first trip to the tree.

I can't believe Jman is almost too tall for the gingerbread house window!

They thought it would be fun to sit on the presents this year.

3 of my favorite people in this world!

In front of the gingerbread house with the amazing sugar swirled windows!

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like (Less) Christmas

We have decked our halls. Well, as much as we are going to this year. This year we are scaling back on the the crazy decorating, scaling back on the crazy shopping, scaling back on the crazy scheduling and trying to put a focus on what Christmas is really about- Christ. The Children's Department at our church has been doing the Advent Conspiracy campaign. Which essentially is Spending Less to Give More. I am loving this idea.

So this year we are doing most of our favorite holiday things, but remembering what the season is all about. It is a year of making handmade gifts, and cutting out some of the excess. We are still buying gifts but being more mindful of what we purchase ( I know Dave Ramsey would be proud- Ha!)

We have decorated the tree...

Put out the nativity set-- this is one of my most favorite things. It was my moms, and sure the faces are getting chipped and the donkey is missing an ear, but I love the nostalgia of it.

And decorated the table... This year I tried something a little different with the table. We had a Ladies Ornament Exchange at church and they decorated with mason jars filled with Epsom's salt and candles. So simple! So I came home and pulled out the Epsom's salt we had and put it in these cute cups with an ornament and a tulle bow. I love the snowy feel of it.

This little guy was my prize at the Ornament Exchange. Isn't he adorable! He makes me smile every time I look at him. I actually didn't win him, but one of my bestest friends did. Erin knew how much I adored "Timmy" and let me take him home. =)

Can't wait to share some of our favorite Christmas traditions like going the Purdue Memorial Union to see the giant Christmas Tree and gingerbread house!