Decorating the Tree

December was finally here and it was time to decorate for Christmas.  This year we decided to do homemade decorations for the tree instead of using our Hallmark ornaments.  So we got out the green and red paper and the cranberries and popcorn and went to work.  

Emily and Russell were having quite a time of stringing popcorn and cranberries.  They kept poking their fingers with the needle.  Colby, on the other hand, went right to work and was a pro at making popcorn/cranberry garland.  Charlotte was so excited she fell asleep watching us.  

Logan made red and green paper chains to put around the tree.  He was happy to make his contribution to the tree.  We continued to decorate the tree with all of our old fashioned or handmade ornaments from years past.  The kids also made paper Rudolfs and other decorations at school and other places through out the month to add to the tree.  Finally it was time to add the star to the tree.  This year I helped the sleepy Charlotte put the star on the tree.  I never get to do it so it was fun for me.  Then Russell fixed it for me because I am a little too short.

There is our beautiful and simply decorated tree.  To tell you the truth, I like the simple tree better than the tree full of ornaments.  We could not forget the most important part of the decorations, the Nativity set under the tree.  Emily, Colby and Logan set this up together.

We are so excited for Christmas.  The kids cannot stop talking about it.  One new tradition we are starting this year is based on a story called "The Last Straw."  We have a manger we set out and each time someone does a good deed or service for their secret family member, they get to put a straw in the manger.  Hopefully, the manger will be overflowing with straw and very comfortable for Baby Jesus when we put him in the manger on Christmas Eve.  So far the kids are doing really well with it.  We will see how the rest of the month goes.  I also did this activity with my Activity Day girls so hopefully they make this a new tradition with their families as well.