A simple Christmas...

We are trying to simplify our Christmas a little this year. Our kids have decided that they would rather go on a little vacation together, as a family, than get too many gifts. That's what they remember the most of anything in years past. Because of that, we decided to do things a little more simple. Starting with our tree...

When we lived in Eagle Mountain, we had a HUGE house with a big picture window, overlooking the valley. That first Christmas, we bought a 12-foot Christmas tree. It was perfect for that big room and looked great from outside our house. When we moved to our current home, we weren't too sure what to do. It was a much smaller area. The last few years, we have still put up the tree here, but there is a lot of furniture arranging to make it possible. The angel's head even hits the ceiling. It is always gorgeous, but a bit over-powering and it takes about 6 hours to set up.

We usually try to decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. After Rick and I got up at 5 a.m. to participate in the crazy Black Friday festivities, we took a nap and relaxed. Then, around noon, we decided to get started on the decorating. We both had anxiety, thinking about putting up the tree. I had a small tree that I originally bought for a Festival of Trees tree, but never used it. We decided (with a little whining from the kids) to try it instead. It is a 6 foot tree and took 5 minutes to set up. The kids just used all of their favorite ornaments and it was decorated within the half hour! We even chose not to put up the Festival of Trees snowman tree I love so much, or the bumble bee one. We figured that we will be gone for so much of the holiday season, it just doesn't make sense.

We even have all of the presents purchased, wrapped and under the tree. A HUGE accomplishment for me. I usually buy things all month long and many times I put off some of the wrapping until Christmas Eve. That makes for a very hectic (and messy) Christmas.

Although we left many decorations in their storage boxes this year, we did put up all of the ones important to us. This is my favorite, a picture of Andrew, Janessa and Harrison dressed up for a nativity picture. Harrison was 2 months old. I remember feeling really broke that year and worried about spending so much money on a picture. I am so happy we did it, as it is one of my most treasured Christmas decorations.

I'm even considering more simple alternatives to cards and neighbor gifts this year. With so much of an economic uncertainty, I would like to focus our time and money on giving to those in need. I'm not sure of my plans yet, but I really want my family to focus on the true meaning of Christmas this year. Sometimes I let things get in the way of that. This year we will try to enjoy a more meaningful, simple season focused on Christ and family.