Christmas in the house

December is upon us!

This week we've put away our autumn decor and started spreading the Christmas cheer, at least in our living room.

The girls were excited to open up the first and second nights' treats in their Advent calendars. Thanks, Nan and Pop, for sending them!

Violet opened up a little toddler granola bar for her first treat Thursday night. On Friday morning, she brought me over another, from another pocket. I've caught her going through other pockets and chewing on a foil-wrapped Santa.

This is going to be a little tricky this year!

On Friday night, Stace set up the Christmas tree and he and Cora decorated it.

This year, we're forgoing most of our pretty ornaments since I wouldn't be surprised if the cats bring the tree down. I hope not, and I do hope they don't eat fake pine needles/Christmas lights/ornaments/ribbon and get sick.

Violet helped get things out, and liked clinking the breakable glass baubles together. Cheers! She also enjoyed looking at the little book of recipes that you can hang on the tree.

Cora helped hang the wooden bell-shaped Nativity scene I brought back from Bethlehem when I was 20.

Somehow, that special ornament had never made it out of its package. It was always in the wrong drawer and not with the Christmas ornaments.

Cora is thrilled to have our tree up and living room decorated.

I know this year will be a memorable one, with Cora old enough to appreciate more of the holy mystery and joy surrounding our Savior's birth.

Violet, for her part, will love all the lights, wrapping paper, treats, singing and happiness!