This year we didn’t travel to a far-off tree farm to cut our own tree. We all missed the tradition greatly, but with the effects of the Hurricane on the region, it made sense to stay closer to home. We love to have our tree up before the beginning of Advent as it is much-anticipated to do our daily Advent reading and coloring of ornaments for the Jesse tree within the glow of all the Christmas decorations. Every year the decorating of the tree is a little different as the children grow. This year it was a particular delight to have Titus join us and seem to understand and get caught up in the wonder and joy of decorating.
The kids begged to decorate Christmas cookies this year, and I’m grateful we were able to squeeze it in and make it happen.
Favorite things from Christmas morning: the way Noah grabs Titus’ stocking with his own and brings it to Titus, the way he’s always seeing and taking care of his little brother. Titus being so excited about his own candy in his stocking, bringing everything to everyone and holding his treasures up to our faces. The way the kids all gave each other gifts, and their complete excitement to see others open the gifts they gave. How they’re catching the spirit of Christmas and finding it true that it is better to give than to receive. There truly is nothing better than being with children on Christmas. Also, it was a delight to make candied lemon and rosemary for an orange glazed gluten free vegan lemon bundt cake to take to Christmas dinner with family. All the gathering, feasting, sharing of love, celebrating and rejoicing. Sometimes it is exhausting but what better way to end the year!
everything He gives 