Putting up the Christmas Tree

Nile had his work cut out for him, as our Christmas tree was way in the back of our storage unit and he had to take almost everything out to get to it. The kids love doing the tree, though, and appreciated daddy's hard work. We always have hot chocolate and candy canes and read the story of Jesus' birth on the day we put up the tree. This year we are doing an Advent Calendar countdown, too, which has mini-booklets to read for each day until Christmas, that double as ornaments when you have read that days' story. I used to care about my tree being pretty (before having children), but now just accept that it is a different kind of pretty:) and much more precious to me with their homemade little decorations taking up more space each year. I am sure it will look gaudy by the end of the mini-booklet countdown, but as long as they are learning more about Jesus' birth and the true reason we celebrate Christmas, I will go with it!

After the initial set-up of a tree that had been in a

box for a year, Seth looked at it and said, "You
call that a tree?!" He is funny without even trying to be.

Jos trying to fluff it up a bit

I only took this to show Gabe's attire...not sure
what he had going on here

Goofing around-I promise she was having a
blast, but you'd never know by this shot.

As usual, Seth looked normal until after I pushed the button.

Our little tree-I console myself with the fact
that we don't have space for a bigger one anyway:)
This year, I especially appreciate Noel Piper's

Christmas decorating theme-that it should focus as much or
more on the nativity scene/story of Jesus' birth than
on the tree itself. I've always agreed with that, but now have
an extra reason to love that idea!

Nile reading more stories about the birth of Jesus. As the
kids grow up and understand more things, it has been so fun

to hear how the level of their questions about the birth of Jesus

has changed. And I'm so thankful they have a daddy who loves

to answer all their questions.