Traditions -- The start of the Christmas season!

The day after Thanksgiving!

Yep, Matt and I did do some shopping -- nothing CRAZY!!!

BUT we did get what we planned -- even cheaper!!!

AND

Yes, it's all TOP secret!

BUT

Today is the beginning of the MARVELOUS 

Christmas Season!

This is the most wonderful time of the year!!!

SO

I REdecorate my house!!!

I always start with the Nativity! 

Truly, this is the focus!

AND

I LOVE my Nativity!

My mom and my children have added to it -- yearly!

Last year, the boys got me the Creche!

The kids have a nativity as well!  They retell the story all of the time.  My Darling and BaJabs couldn't wait to tell Elizabeth!

The kids got into helping me!!

Elizabeth is one excited girl!!

The girls helping me with the light clips!

Still more clips :)

The girls helping with all of the angels.

One of our many traditions is ......

Each child has their OWN Christmas tree.

The tree is fake.

The tree is decorated with all of the ornaments that they have received OR made since becoming a WOLLER!

Each of the ornaments represent 'specials' in their life.

Each child decorates their tree with me.  

We talk about the firsts and specials. 

This is such a special time with each child.

MD did his own tree and lights this year.  I just had to help with some placement.  BUT he did most on his own.  We did lots of remembering -- I love his first angel!  His tree is pretty full AND beautiful!

His favorite ornament is the squirrel.  The first time squirrel hunting with Uncle Josh 2 years ago.

 A pretty good smile -- laughing, actually!

A crazy one -- he's trying to be a squirrel!

JM TRIED to do his tree and lights this year -- but needed a tad bit of MD help :)

He did most of his ornaments as well.  We had a good time remembering all the special times!

His favorite ornament is the U of M globe from last year!  His favorite football team!  I love his homemade cinnamon ornaments!

My Darling needs help -- of course :)  

She did make sure the lights worked AND got all of the ornaments out.

Finally, her and I decorate together and talked!  LOTS of talking :)

She LOVES all of her ornaments!

BUT 

her MOST favorite is her panda cloisonne from China.

My favorite -- is her angel she made in Kindergarten and a China girl ornament we got from a friend!

BaJabs and I created a beautiful tree.  

She has made MANY ornaments!!

PLUS

she has some very special ornaments from China AND when some since she arrived.

Her and I had fun!

Her favorite is a Panda Bear bulb!

Mine is her angel she made in Kindergarten and the Panda, too!

FINALLY!!!!

ELIZABETH -- who was BEYOND excited!

Daddy and Elizabeth practiced ornament placement on a dead plant while waiting her turn!

I actually called her back downstairs AFTER she went up to bed -- so her and I could finish!

She does not have many ornaments -- a few she made yesterday with my mom -- and a few we have gotten. 

 Tomorrow I will give all three of the girls their NEW special one for this year.  It has to do with the traveling to China! 

Stayed tuned for THE BIG --- REAL tree!!!

COMING SOON!!!!

AND

The special new additions to the ornaments!

Yep -- we have 31 days until Christmas!

Planning, shopping, baking, cooking, decorating, more traditions, HOMEMADE PIZZA, sea-foam, cookie night at the farm, Christmas programs, concerts, arts & crafts, cards, MUSIC, baby Jesus, break from school, parties, giving & receiving and all that anticipation -- 

Oh, it's going to be so much fun!