December: Out of the Gate

With Thanksgiving falling a shade earlier in November than other years, it felt like forever for December to finally get here!  That bought me a little extra time to get in Christmas gear around the house at least.  And now that it's December 1, we are chomping at the bit and in full-on Christmas mode already!  Playing Christmas songs in the car, planning Christmas lights somewhere out front again for a change, watching The Nutcracker movie at the theater in the middle of the week just because we can, and Anna even spent some of her own money to put a teal and purple mini tree in her room!  Other ways it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas this year ... cards - made, addressed, stamped, and ready to mail!

Fun festive Christmas countdown for Lasa!  Behind Door #1 was ... Peppa! ;)

Tree is up and lit!  Only took a whole new string of Christmas lights when the middle chunk went out on us.  😏

Day 1 of new Advent devotional already completed!  Taking this year off the Jesse Tree again.  Next year will be perfect to return to that favorite ... when Lasa is 4 and really able to follow the meaning.

There are holiday Lego creations on the mantle.

There's a play Nativity on the fireplace and alllll the characters are sticky from someone's little sticky hands ... just as it should be. ❤️

Lights for the front of the house are ... at least mobilized.  Thinking we want to light up the tree in the front yard for a new twist.  It's been yearsss since we did lights outside.  The kids are really pumped!

Today I wrapped a few gifts while watching the end of the Nashville Christmas parade.

And I have a pretty little ornament for a Dirty Santa gift exchange at tonight's Women's Christmas Party at church.   Also have ingredients prepped for a tasty meatball appetizer.  Will be picking up a friend on the way.

There are two more Christmas parties coming up ... that I opted to skip this year.  I feel a little bad about saying no when I don't necessarily have plans ... but that's kinda the plan in itself.  To NOT overstuff the month.  I think this is the first time I have said no just because ... and I think it's gonna be ok. HA!