Preparing for Christmas

Christmas is almost here and it seems like it's come so fast this year!  I feel like I just put away last year's decorations.  We got the tree up last weekend and I'm loving it!  I went back to an artificial this year and I must say it was much easier to set up. 

Christmas baking has been started and the annual frosting and decorating of cutouts is done.  We made about 100 this year and have about a third left a week later.  They'd probably all be gone, but I froze some and have been rationing them out! 

I went on an afternoon of Christmas home tours last Saturday that really inspired some Christmas spirit.  It was fun seeing new ways to decorate for the holidays!

Holly the Elf and her sidekick Peppermint Kitty have rejoined the family.  The girls love to find her each morning even though they're long past believing in Santa and his elves.

This year seems a little more subdued as far as shopping and holiday obligations.  We only have one school program to attend and just a few fun get-togethers with family and friends.  It's nice keeping it more simple and having time to enjoy the season.