It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Wow I can't believe it's December already! Weren't we just bringing out our fall decorations and relishing in being able to wear sweatshirts and drink cider a couple days ago?!

I love Christmas. I'm one of "those people" who checks the radio every day starting at Halloween for those two special stations that eventually play Christmas music 24/7... Love love love me some Christmas music! I got a few evil stares at work for those couple of weeks before Thanksgiving when I listened to it... But now it's December! They can't oppose me now, muahahaha! :)

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving I received my wreath from our school's fundraiser. And I couldn't wait any longer. I texted my hubby (who wouldn't be home until late because of his night class) and asked if it was ok if Abby and I decorated... and he said yes!! So up from the basement I pulled my supplies:

We don't have much. The big tote is mostly full of ornaments. We've only been married 6 years, and we don't really add anything to the stash each year. Maybe that will change now that we have a kid...

So first things first! The tree! While I grew up in a family who went out and bought a real tree each year, Rocky is not a fan of the mess and the cost of a real tree. Our first Christmas, we bought one of those little 3-foot fake ones, and since we have two cats and an 18-month-old, it will probably continue to be our best option for a few years. :)

 All we had to do was move the houseplant and unfold the tree! After spending a few minutes sorting through ornaments (only using the non-breakables and the ones I wouldn't care if they broke...), Abby and I set to work.

Last year I was super excited to receive the Willow Tree 6-piece Nativity for Christmas, but had to just pack it away with everything else until this year!

I love how the candle is like the star of Bethlehem. :)

Then a couple days later, Rocky was home from school for Thanksgiving break and it was a beautiful, sunny day! I asked if he'd be willing to put up the outdoor lights if I tested them out for him. :) He agreed -- but only if I would also go borrow a ladder from the neighbors!

After a lot of finagling with extension cords and clips, we were finished just as it got dark:


The best part? It's all plugged into one of the outdoor porch lights, so we just flip the switch inside the house and all of it lights up! We don't even need to go outside!

 Best. Invention. Ever.

So there you have it. Our little bit of decoration. I've pulled out the Christmas candles (Yankee Candle's "North Pole" is ahhhmazing!!). Christmas music is playing on the radio. All we need is snow! ;-) Welcome to December!!