Christmas Decor

 I am a minimalist in general when it comes to decorating a house, and the same holds true for me while decorating for Christmas.  I like touches of holiday spirit thrown throughout the house, but nothing that looks too overwhelming. 

 The kids are really into lights this year, so I tried to hang more than I usually do.  I also used a large crystal bowl in the hutch for left over Christmas decorations. 

 TT picked this out.  The kids are so into Christmas this year, it's really been fun. 

 Here is our tree, with  few presents underneath it.  And check out those santa bears! These are from my childhood, and I love the nostalgia they bring to this time of year.  The kids absolutely love cuddling with them too. 

 All the stockings are hung! We haven't done much with the Elf on the Shelf this year. We have one, but someone TT ends up sleeping with him every night.  She calls him "Santa Elf."

 This is a new tree.  The other fake one was getting dingy looking, so I wanted to upgrade.  TT was really into decorating it, Nur. . . not so much.  TT redecorates the tree daily, and likes to hang every ornament on the same branch.  This is only the kids 3rd Christmas, but already so many ornaments full of memories of Christmas' past. 

 Above the piano.  T and I have our stockings hung as well.

 This calendar has two chocolates in each slot.  The kids have loved getting a piece of chocolate a day, and counting down until Christmas.  I'm trying to start as many traditions as possible, and this is one they seem to love.  And why wouldn't they?!? I did mention chocolate, right? 

 Our first Christmas as a family of 4, 2010.  I took this picture the day we went to court for Nur to make it all official.  The kids were all dressed up in their beautiful outfits, in which I tried to tie in some patriotic colors to mark the occassion. I thought a picture in front of the tree would be fitting.  And then I got to thinking how different these kids of mine would be a year from now, and I decided to start the tradition of taking a picture of Nur and TT in front of the tree every year and only displaying these photos with the Christmas frames as part of my decorations each year.  Wow how they have changed! I imagine my house when they are 18.  Hopefully I'll have a larger house by then to display all 18 photos. :)

Hope you have enjoyed a glimpse into my house this holiday season. I can't wait to show you all my wall of Christmas cards. They are steadily coming in, and I LOVE getting pictures from you, my blog readers!  You all have beautiful families, and I get so much joy from receiving these cards from you and seeing a glimpse into your families.  I want to give a special shout-out to Heather. You always leave me such thoughtful comments, and I loved seeing what you look like and your beautiful family.  :)  Thank you everyone for making me a small part of your Christmas this year.