Friday Favorites

If you're going to be cooped up in the house due to days on days of rain, it may as well be the first week of December- giving us loads of time to delve into some of our most beloved holiday traditions. And because we picked up our tree over Thanksgiving Weekend- as is tree-dition- we were all set to unwrap ornaments, trim the tree, and enjoy lazy morning and afternoons amongst our decorations. Yes, the holidays are in full swing- and not even a few days of rain can bring us down.

Here are my most loved holiday traditions. What are yours?

o' christmas tree

Every year we walk to the church behind our house to pick out our Christmas tree. We go with the same family friends every year, typically the weekend after Thanksgiving. We started this tradition four years ago- Phil and I were just married, and our friend was pregnant with her little one. Now, we bring our little girls along. Still with our Bloody Mary roadies in tow. 

JAMMIES AND BOOKS

As you know, holiday jammies are big in this house. I think I bought every pair on the market for Madeline last year when she was an itty bitty babe celebrating her first Christmas. This year, we've indulged her just the same- spoiling her with festive prints from Burt's Bees, Carter's and Hanna Andersson. We wear them all fall and winter long; but there's nothing like Christmas morning in a comfy pair of Christmas PJs.

And because this little lady is a bookworm, we also stock up on holiday-themed stories this time of year. This Christmas classic, Madeline's Christmas was a gift last year from a very dear friend. The perfect gift for our Madeline's first Christmas. 

Destination Ornaments

My husband and I met in September, right before my most favorite time of year. And I have to say, his love for the holidays remains one of my favorite things about him. Since the first trip we took as an engaged couple, he has carefully picked out an ornament from a local gift shop- a row boat from Newport, Mickey ears from Disney, a seashell-filled ball from Kennebunkport to name a few. And as cheesy as some of these may be, they are some of my most loved decorations on the tree.

Family Christmas Cards

For as long as I can remember I've loved Christmas cards. I love the whole process, start to finish. Picking out coordinating outfits, perusing different layouts and designs, and sending them out with love. We've sent ours out every year since we've been married- and I love how they each year they capture just how much our little family has grown throughout the years. 

puzzling

We are a family of puzzlers. When I was a little girl I can remember congregating around Nana's kitchen table, working on a Snoopy Christmas puzzle with my siblings and grandparents. Sometimes into the wee hours of the morning. Thankfully, I married a puzzler. And it looks like MM might just be one too. And we can't wait to get started on this beauty soon.