It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

I have finally finished decorating our apartment for Christmas! I have been looking forward to this all year. James and I decided that, instead of spending the holidays with family, we would have our own little first Christmas. We figured it would be fun to create our own traditions and memories. The only problem is that Del Rio is one of the least Christmassy places I can think of, so I've been overcompensating for that by completely decking our humble halls.

We have a bunch of colored lights up in our outside windows and on our patio. We also have a little hand-me-down wreath on our front door to welcome people inside. I put lighted garlands on the top of our kitchen cabinets and on our little bar counter, which is now serving as our mantle piece. The lights reflect beautifully off of our unused silver and glassware, and create a very elegant look indeed. I've also set our table with our china and best crimson linens. Very festive!!

Of course, the show-stopper is our tree. This is the greatest symbol of our integrated holiday traditions. James always grew up with a real tree, so I agreed that we could try that - so long as I could wrap it in silver tinsel which was always my favorite part of our tree back home. We both agreed that colored lights are best, and I had fun hanging up a collection of ornaments that were given to us from both of our families. We were a bit concerned about the tree when we first got it into place because it ended up being much wider than we anticipated. But now I think it's perfect!

I am really, really enjoying celebrating Christmas so far this year. I think that the frenzied stress of finals made it difficult for me to really experience the joy of holidays while I was in school. But now I have nothing to distract me. Already, James and I have been getting in the spirit by watching all of the Christmas movies on TV and enjoying many steaming cups of hot cocoa with real mini marshmallows. Tonight will mark the second of four holiday get-together's that are scheduled for this week. And I've been filling the house with the sweet and savory smells of baking goodies over the past two days. (Once again I managed to botch up the baking of my beloved fudge. But I've resolved to enjoy it, despite my burned fingers...ha!)

Well, I'm sure I'll have many more stories to tell as we get closer to the big day. For now, I encourage you to try your best to take advantage of all the season has to offer. No - I don't mean in terms of sales and shopping. I mean, cherish the time with family and friends...don't think about your diet when the candy and cookie trays are passed...and every time you are dazzled by the wintery beauty around you, give thanks for the Gift that made this all possible.