Traditions: Decorating

Christmas is coming fast and I haven't shared nearly as many things as I had planned.  Here are some of our decorations around the house.  It is a group effort and we are constantly adding and changing.  Christmas is my favorite time of year and I am already on the hunt for another spot for another tree next year.

This is our downstairs Christmas tree.  It is always white lights and all of our collected/gifted/purchased ornaments from over the years adorn this tree.  We decorate this tree as a family and it's the first tree we decorate each year.

Here are some of the outside lights on the house.  Next year there will be more but we were having some safety issues with lights, ladders and the house so, we will prepare for next year during the after Christmas sales.  We definitely have some neighbors with the Christmas spirit. 

This is our upstairs tree.  It is all colored lights and all the kids' homemade ornaments from over the years.  The kids decorate this tree on their own and it's always a real treat to remember where we lived and to see all the precious handmade ornaments on it.  I always remind myself that when the kids are grown and living on their own this tree won't exist anymore.  It makes it that much more special to me.

This is our foyer tree.  It is a mini tree with white lights and this tree always has my collection of White House ornaments on it.  It is simple but lovely.

 
Also, I have a winter tin with lights and cinnamon pine cones in them.  When I turn on the lights the little bit of heat helps to release the scent of the cinnamon.  It's very welcoming.

We also have wreaths and lots of other decorations everywhere and the kids each have a tree in their rooms that have lots of fun mini ornaments on them including some fun Playmobil ornaments we have had forever.

As you can see Christmas is really my favorite time of year!