It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas!
We are in the Christmas spirit at the Troxels! This past Sunday we went and got our Christmas tree from a local tree farm. Chris will not allow us to get a tree unless it is cold or snowing, but he prefers both. Luckily, the first snow came on Sunday. The girls were excited to go pick out our tree (and of course Santa was there passing out candy canes, so that made it extra fun!). We love having a real tree. Since our van is filled with kids these days, we had to strap our tree to the top of the roof. It made it home in one piece, thank goodness.
While the tree was drying off a bit from the snow, the girls and I decorated a gingerbread house. It was one from a kit, and although I thought it was made a decent house, it didn't quite capture the girls' attention. They just wanted to eat the candy. Oh well, we ended up making it look fairly decent.
As a new tradition this year, I made an Advent wreath and have decided that each Sunday we are going to eat dinner by candlelight (from the wreath) and talk about each candle, along with reading sections of the Christmas story from Luke. This week's candle is Hope and we tried to explain to the girls the hope that Jesus' birth brought to a world in need to forgiveness. I could literally hear it swooshing over their heads, but they did seem to enjoy the Bible reading. We read about the angel visiting Mary and telling her she was going to have a baby, along with Mary's amazing obedience to God. I am hoping that taking this time each Sunday will help us all refocus on the true meaning of Christmas, amongst all the hustle and bustle of this season. We finished our Advent dinner making some delicious chocolate cake that is made from hot cocoa mix and cooked in the microwave - a fun and easy dessert for kids.
After dinner we decorated the tree. Both Avery and Mia were very excited as we pulled out each ornament and hung it on the tree. I love reminiscing over each one - they all carry such happy memories for me. In fact, I think I spent the first half hour just looking through them and letting my soul warm
I especially love the ones the girls have made and ones with pictures.
While the tree was drying off a bit from the snow, the girls and I decorated a gingerbread house. It was one from a kit, and although I thought it was made a decent house, it didn't quite capture the girls' attention. They just wanted to eat the candy. Oh well, we ended up making it look fairly decent.
As a new tradition this year, I made an Advent wreath and have decided that each Sunday we are going to eat dinner by candlelight (from the wreath) and talk about each candle, along with reading sections of the Christmas story from Luke. This week's candle is Hope and we tried to explain to the girls the hope that Jesus' birth brought to a world in need to forgiveness. I could literally hear it swooshing over their heads, but they did seem to enjoy the Bible reading. We read about the angel visiting Mary and telling her she was going to have a baby, along with Mary's amazing obedience to God. I am hoping that taking this time each Sunday will help us all refocus on the true meaning of Christmas, amongst all the hustle and bustle of this season. We finished our Advent dinner making some delicious chocolate cake that is made from hot cocoa mix and cooked in the microwave - a fun and easy dessert for kids.
After dinner we decorated the tree. Both Avery and Mia were very excited as we pulled out each ornament and hung it on the tree. I love reminiscing over each one - they all carry such happy memories for me. In fact, I think I spent the first half hour just looking through them and letting my soul warm
I especially love the ones the girls have made and ones with pictures.
Isn't this season wonderful! I love what you're doing with the advent wreath, I'm sure it helps you all focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Your tree looks great!
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