Merry Christmas!

This Monday, for FHE, we put up a little holiday cheer in our house. Last year we went after-Christmas shopping and bought a tree and all the trimmings (even though we weren't even engaged yet). I love this time of year and the feelings that accompany the season.

We got out our Amy Grant Christmas album, which is a favorite in my family, and put up all of our nativities and our tree. I have about 7 different nativities that I have collected. They are my favorite part of decorating. They help focus on the true reason for the season. I am also really excited about how our tree turned out. It looks like it is straight out of a magazine and we did it all for less than $20 (tree not included). I've decided that I will need two different trees. One to be gorgeous and awe-inspiring and another to be totally hands-on and sentimental with homemade ornaments and ones that we have collected through the years.

I am especially proud that we have nearly all of our shopping done so we can really enjoy this season. Even though Nathan hates it when I drag him out for hours of torture, we have been able to find some great gifts and won't have to do it all last minute. I love giving gifts, especially when you find just the right thing that you know that person will just love. I am really excited for my parents to open their gift. They are the hardest people ever to shop for and I think we nailed it. My siblings are super jealous that we have them done already.

But the thing I am most excited for is the annual trip to Grandma Keeley's. I love to be up with family and leave the "real world" behind to be transported to the magical kingdom of Grandma's house. I love everything about it. I love the tradition. I love Grandma's tree. I love the snow. I love the hustle and bustle of downtown Logan with its old-timey shop fronts and holiday decorations. I love that this year I get to share it with Nathan. I will miss that we can't go up for the whole week, but I guess that is part of growing up and having responsibilities.

Our beautiful tree

 Sleepy and happy little decorating elves

 Some of our nativities, we have a bookshelf in the living room and each shelf got a few. Not all are pictured.
My wisemen are even coming from the East, historical accuracy is key (ignore that they didn't come at the same time as the shephards!)

 Counting down till Christmas

 Nathan's awesome Playmobile Nativity set, complete with treasure chests that really open for the wise men.

 The stockings were hung by the furnace with care...

 Nathan decorated our mini-tree for our office. Thanks honey.

 Ready to kick the season off with the First Presidency Christmas devotional tonight.

We wish you a merry Christmas!