Getting into the Spirit

I have to admit I'm kind of a Grinch when it comes to Christmas decorations. I hate lugging the decoration boxes down from the attic, unpacking all the festive trinkets that I never have anywhere to put, and the general disorganization that comes along with "decking" our halls. Every year, I can't help but think," how many days until I can take all this (insert expletive) down and get my house back to normal?" Even getting a Christmas tree is frustrating because our current space limits the size of tree we can get. One day I'll be able to get a robust 10 footer, but for now it's the slightly scrawny 6 foot tree that our living room allows. But as Caroline grows older and more excited about Christmas, I'm making a conscious effort this year to put aside these minor irritations and put on a happy face as we get ready for the holiday.

We started last weekend by putting up our outdoor lights, some of the indoor decorations and by taking out our nativity sets: a beautiful Fontanini set for the adults and a Fisher Price Little People set for Caroline.
I took the opportunity to use her nativity set and have a little talk about Christmas. But have you ever tried to explain Jesus' birth, its relation to Christmas and Santa Claus all in one conversation to a 2.5 year old? Our conversation went something like this:

Caroline (holding up Jesus): "Who dat?"

Me: Caroline, this is Baby Jesus. He is a very special baby and in a few weeks we'll celebrate his birthday.
 (A suspicious look starts to creep across Caroline's face. I can see the wheels turning. She's thinking  "is this your sick way to trying to tell me we're going to have another baby in this house???")

Me (slightly panicked and quickly grabbing Mary and Joseph): This is Jesus' Mommy Mary and his Daddy Joseph. They are going to be living in this barn for a little while. (A look of relief from Caroline). But Jesus' Daddy is also God. Did you know that?

Caroline: Silence coupled with a look of complete confusion and more wheels turning in her little head. I'm certain that now she's wondering "So you're telling me that Jesus has two Daddies? He has one of those families?

Me (getting panicky again): And do you know what else?! When we celebrate Jesus' birthday, Santa visits our house and brings presents for you and Margaret and Julia! Isn't that exciting??

Caroline: Santa is scary!I don't like that!

Me (sigh): Ok, well I can see we've talked enough about Christmas for today. We'll try again tomorrow.

Yesterday we went to pick out our Christmas tree, looking far and wide throughout the Home Depot parking lot before we found the perfect tree for our living room. Once we got it home and up in the stand, Caroline helped me with the decorating and then we hung the girls' stockings. Add in some Christmas music, some gift wrapping, and a little baking for a holiday party we had to attend and I found myself feeling downright jolly.  Lookout Christmas, here we come!

Julia samples Mary...and finds her quite delicious :)

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 Caroline helping Daddy string the outdoor lights.

Caroline directs the tree search...

The twins patiently waited for Daddy and Caroline to pick out the tree...

Julia

Margaret

We officially exhausted all the "girly" stocking options from Pottery Barn Kids this year...

Enjoying a holiday party and a night out!