CHRISTMAS DECOR

    
      This weekend we finally set up our tree! Along with Christmas music, fireplace and hot chocolate! Last weekend we decorated the house and when I say, we I mean with the kids, the hubby helps a little too. I usually do it in two phases cause doing it all together is too much work and kids tire easily (mom, too!)   
                           

  

Here's our tree! I think my kids did a marvelous job decorating the tree this year. I hardly participated! Somehow they made it look overdecorated and I always thought we needed more ornaments! Of course, the nativity under the tree is a 'must'. This year I added some of the tree's lights in it to add a glowing effect to it. (Hubby's idea!)

     I couldn't take a picture of it with lights on (probably need a high tech camera or something) but believe me it looks good in the dark. A little tip from me to you:

put a line of lights on the bark of the tree that is lit continuously (not flickering)  before decorating and adding the usual lights. It will look so much better! Trust me!

      Notice the the top of the tree!



     People usually put a star up on top of the tree but we prefer this angel that actually lights up! Isn't it wonderful? 

     Call me cheap (I call me frugal) but these Christmas cake decorations add to my tree, don't you think?

 

     How about these candle rings?

 

      On the first of December, as every year, we started the advent calendar. My kids absolutely love it! I turn it into a treasure hunt and it's a lot of fun. I write in a small piece of paper the location of their little surprise and they search the house for it every morning. For example, it will just say "pillow" and they have to look for it under every pillow in the house until they find it. It can be candy or a fancy pencil or six pence! Anything small. Sometimes it takes them forever to find it! I have so much fun with this!!!

 

      My most precious ornaments are the ones my kids have done. I have been collecting them since kindergarten and put on display every year. I hope one day I'll be decorating my grandkids' crafts next to their mom's and dad's!

 

When we don't wear these antlers they adorn the speakers!

As do Santa Clause's hats!

 

 

Do you have any decorating tips?