We Did It!

We did it!

Tonight our family took a BIG step into the kind of easier, more relaxed Christmas that I described in my last post! I told my crew that this year was going to be different in a good way...I was not going to spend two days overwhelmed, and wading through Christmas stuff spread out all over the living room while I made it my mission to create a work of art with the tree (and the 3 million or so ornaments, etc. that we have accumulated!), on the mantle, on various tables throughout the house, etc...I was officially shifting gears.

Nobody believed me...Corey didn't think I could do it. He teased that once we started, I wouldn't be able to help myself, but I was determined!

To begin with, we only brought down about half of the Christmas boxes that we keep stored up in the attic...that alone made a BIG difference. Christian helped me get that part done, so it was pretty fast and painless.

Then, I let Corey and Christian choose how much (or how little) to fluff the tree branches...a job that I usually spend FOREVER doing.

Next, Corey and Christian chose how many (or how few) lights to put on the tree, and how to space them out...and I didn't tweak them even a little bit! I did have to remind myself to just let it go, and enjoy this new, relaxed kind of Christmas that I am working toward! I knew that it would be worth it!

While the guys prepped the tree, Caylie and I puttered around setting out the stockings, and the nativity scene (or as Carson said, "the tivity"), and a few other things. Little Carson didn't know what we were up to exactly, but he kept a big smile on his face. He knew that whatever it was, it was fun!

When it was time for the ornaments... everyone put whatever ornaments they wanted to put, wherever they wanted to put them! (GASP!!!) Yes, I told you I was serious about all of this! Take a look at the end result...thank goodness I have one willing victim volunteer to be in all of my Christmas decorating pics!

Corey and Christian moved the action into the yard to put up the yard trees...wherever they chose to...and I hung the window wreaths...and I didn't fluff much at all I might add!

After only about 1 1/2 hours, we were putting the boxes back into the attic, and winding things up. Unbelieveable...I don't think it has ever been so pleasant and easy! No hot apple cider to sip, or wrapped gifts under the tree tonight, but maybe next year I'll pull that part off.

I headed to the den to see Carson watching the Dancing Santa with great facination. Papa gave Santa to Caylie and Christian years ago, and they have just loved him! He does a funny little dance to "Jingle Bell Rock". Carson tried to copy the hip action that Santa has going on. Where is the video camera when you need it??? Here is a pic of Carson with his new favorite toy...

Caylie sat on the floor and read Carson some of her favorite stories from our Christmas book basket. The book basket is one of our most treasured items that we pull out each year. It is a basket (always the same one) of probably 10 or 15 Christmas books that the kids have read and enjoyed since they were very little. It comes out every year, and always gets LOTS of attention...even as the kids have gotten older. They love it because of the memories they have of each of the special books. Caylie says that even the smell of many of those books has become special and familiar to her!

I didn't get a picture of the two of them together unfortunately, but here Carson is beside the book basket later....

That's what I'm going for with this change...slowing things down enough to be able to stop, watch, and appreciate the special moments that are happening all of the time...and in the process, maybe teaching the kids to do the same.

It was just a good night all around!

Writing the Waves,
Christi