When we moved to the Azores, Mike and I decided that we would leave our Christmas decorations and tree in storage. We were told that we might not have a big enough house and/or storage space for lots of extras. So, we spent two Christmases with homemade decorations and a mini tree. The first year we also made a foam board tree, which we put up on the wall.
This year though, we have our decorations back!! And I was having a hard time waiting for the day after Thanksgiving to start opening Christmas boxes and pulling out my Willow Tree Nativity. The boys were super excited and waiting for the day too. They had a hard time waiting for me to fluff the tree so they could put ornaments on it. But, we finally got it done and I am enjoying the sight of it. I need to wake earlier in the morning so I can enjoy that quiet Christmas tree lights in the morning scene.
Our finished tree
Santa Max
Santa Jackson
Our elf, Barney Shelfin Clemens, showed up the day after Thanksgiving with a note for Jackson and Max. We have not taken many pictures of all his hiding spots, but the boys are waking early to find him every day. That might be the only drawback to Barney; earlier rising kiddos. But he also seems to make them more aware of their behavior and reminds them, without saying anything, to be helpful, especially with cleaning up after themselves.
I love this time of year and I am so thankful for all the blessings that come with it this year. Christmas brings joy in all the little things and the leading up to it, the time of Advent in the month of December, can be filled with fun, laughter and more joy. The biggest joy comes when we celebrate the birth of the Christ-child, Jesus. I hope that celebration tops even all these joy-filled moments we have been having.
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