I have always enjoyed decorating for the holidays, but this year is very special because it is the first Christmas in my home. This year was about recycling decorations from the past and picturing what else I may do in the future. It was also about realizing that you must take the time to read the front of the outdoor lights so that one doesn't mistakenly think she is purchasing 'warm white' lights when in actuality 'cool white' lights now adorn the front of the house.
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| The nativity set will rotate each year between this set and the ceramic set that my mother painted. |
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| This Christmas cactus was given to me by my dear friend Matt quite some time ago. Although I tried my best to treat it well, it would never bloom. One year it finally did bloom - in April. This year is the first time this cactus is showing it's beauty for Christmas - I think it likes it here just as much as I do. |
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Some day, I hope that I can make cookies with my children, but until then I have to steal other people's kids. Athena came over to help me make gingerbread cookies. For Christmas, I got her an apron set, her own Christmas cookie cutters and a cookie sheet that is just her size. We had a blast!
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| Rolling the dough. At the request of the 'chef', we made Santa shapes, bells, reindeer, gingerbread men, candy canes and snowflakes. Don't worry - I also made a few leg lamps and bunny suits. |
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| And what is more fun than making cookies - decorating them! Athena brought some sparkly gel icing that was a perfect addition to all of our sugar glitter and powdered sugar icing. |
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| I am pretty sure she put as much icing in her mouth as she did on her cookies! Not sure if quiet time was actually quiet today :) |
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| Finished products. Athena had already left with her beautiful cookies, so the others are missing from the photos. |
