i cannot quite put my finger on exactly what made this holiday so magical, but it definitely has a lot to do with family. living close to family, seeing our grandparents, sleeping next to siblings under the tree {clothed in matching christmas pajamas, of course!}, celebrating birthdays {& forgetting the candles… 51-2 = 49, right?! hah!}, last minute handmade with lots of love gifts, taking a few moments to notice the sparkle, new plants added to our home for a bit more green, & a year of hardship with lots of unconditional love & understanding mixed in.

well, those might be a few of the reasons for the magic. i am in awe of the season among us. & oh, so thankful.

what’s a favorite tradition in your home during the holidays? i love my christmas with just luke right before all of the festivities begin. this year we lit the fireplace, read the story of Jesus’ birth, drank a glass of wine & opened simple gifts from one another.

wishing you warmth, love & cheer this season!
happy everything!

i am all about christmas cards. as soon as thanksgiving is behind us, i sit down to write an email, asking friends & family, near & far {who seem to move just as much as we do!}, for their address. then, the creating begins. here’s just a glimpse of our {christmas card} from our first year of marriage. this year, i thought a little less of the sarcastic tone would be a bit more appropriate…

i gathered clippings from our rosemary plant & made miniature wreaths, tying embroidery floss to the top to secure its shape. i ordered a stamp from paper source & adorned both to kraft cardstock. on the other side, i attached a small photo of us with red & white tape. a very simple, inexpensive card.

even if most days do not allow for connecting with the ones we love most, christmas is the time to send a little card through the post, reminding others of your love for them. i really like that.

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merry christmas & happy holidays!