Christmas 2013

Christmas always seems to fly past after being so long anticipated and this year was no exception. Since Emma's arrival is getting closer (!!!!) we decided that we would stay in GA this year. The relaxed pace has been wonderful. We had some of our favorite Christmas traditions, and Nate and Evelyn were old enough to help me enjoy them this year which definitely added to the joy. We went to a tree farm and eventually found the perfect tree. Brett tried to convince me to buy a tree at Wal-mart, since it is a lot cheaper, but that would have felt almost sacrilegious. After spending several glorious years owning a Christmas tree farm as a child and growing up with the family tradition of cutting a tree, the whole process of picking out a tree is one that should not be skipped! I did manage to get some pictures.

My sweet mom sent us an Advent calendar from Cape May, like she has every year. Nate and Evelyn would remind me every morning (and sometimes throughout the day), to "Open a door!" Another tradition that I have retained from my childhood.

At the beginning of December, I ordered Handel's Messiah and a CD of children singing Christmas hymns. We have really enjoyed both of them! Having beautiful music playing in the background lifts my spirits and delights the children. I need to order some more CD's to play in the kitchen that are not holiday music. I've always loved the pianist George Winston and plan to order a CD of his. We've also enjoyed a CD of classic hymns sung by children. I'm hoping my kiddos learn some hymns from listening to it. Any suggestions of beautiful music that your family loves? 

Sadly, I did not get many pictures on the actual Christmas day. A few blurry ones of the children opening presents, but that was all. We opened presents at home, then went to Papa and Grandma Hawkins for breakfast, and then drove up to north GA for Christmas dinner with Brett's maternal grandparents. Although I greatly missed the usual chaos of 12+ people opening presents, we had a wonderful day and I enjoyed the children's excitement. 

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas too!