This December ended our third Christmas and second full year in our farmhouse. The first Christmas was chaotic as we had just moved in. The tree was found a week before Christmas, it was covered in icicles because of an ice storm. What were we to do? We needed a tree!
We had to let the tree thaw in the house surrounded by trash bags on the floor to protect our newly restored floors. Boxes were everywhere in the house. It was crazy but we were grateful to finally be moved in.
This year, we hosted my husband’s family as well as mine and the mood was much more relaxed. We’re starting to accumulate the decorations that fit our farmhouse and it just feels like home. Our tree was purchased right after Thanksgiving and as gigantic as it was, it did well all month.
I think “gigantic” is somewhat of an understatement. It had a growth. It was huge. Look how small my tree skirt is up to it! 🙂
After Thanksgiving we visited the nearby tree farm. We may be far from the grocery store but we have a small Christmas tree farm near us which is very convenient. Especially with the size of the trees my kids had their eyes on.
I had to take a shot of this old barn at the tree farm. Some days I miss our barn. Other days I’m relieved that it’s not there and I don’t have to worry about the boys getting hurt while they explore. I also don’t have to stress about how we’re going to afford to fix it up because we had learned that it just wasn’t possible. (Unless, I had won the lottery. No such luck.) . But most of the time, I just feel like something is missing on our property.
What I love most about our Christmas tree farm (besides their barn) is that each child gets a little mini tree to take home. It’s a simple thing but the boys love it so much. It’s thoughtful and such a sweet little touch that our neighbors are able to give.
In addition to the wreaths on our windows (and the gigantic tree), we put lights up on the house this year. It’s fun to start accumulating decorations that fit this home.
I also purchased a few spotlights. They were okay. They were solar powered which is awesome except that I forgot to factor in that we don’t see the sun much these days. So, on most days they go on at dusk and are off by 7pm. But when it’s sunny they will stay on until 2am. Either way, it was fun to light the house up.
We have started lots of traditions like making a gingerbread house and decorating cookies. I made the sugar cookies a month in advance and stuck them in the freezer to decorate when the boys were at home. It worked out great. And they loved decorating them, and licking their fingers in between. Ha!
I was able to snap a quick photo of the table before the day started on Christmas. The silverware wasn’t out yet and the candles were not lit but at least I got a picture.
The beauty of this place never ceases to amaze me. I know I’m spoiled and could never live again where I don’t have the opportunity to walk out the door and see creation like this. The day after Christmas there was a frost on everything that was so thick it looked like snow. It was beautiful!
We had a few days of “warmer” weather and like all things that are relative it felt like a heatwave! The boys were outside playing football in the sunshine. It was a great day.
While the boys were out playing I found this in the yard. It must have been uncovered by all the rain we’ve been getting. You just never know what you will find when you live in an old house.
As I look back on this past month I’m grateful. This Christmas break I was able to slow down and really enjoy being home with the boys. I haven’t shared much on Cleverly Simple because of that, but I’m gearing up for a great January and 2019! It’s funny how the winter makes you slow down and I’m okay with that.
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