on our first date of christmas...

This is our second year to do 12 dates of Christmas inspired by lovetaza and marci. So, now we can official call it our 2nd Annual "Dates of Christmas" (because there is no such thing as a 1st annual, people -no matter how many times it is used incorrectly.) This year we kicked it off by completing our outdoor lights at the new house and driving around the neighborhood looking for lighting ideas for next year, as well as making sure we weren't outdone by too many houses. ;)

After driving around listening to the XM Holiday Traditions station and admiring twinkle lights, we returned home to finish the last season of Fringe in the warm glow of lights on the mantle. After discussing the 5 seasons we watched together over the last few years, we went into the den - which we have formally renamed the "Christmas room" - where Tison read books to the belly. I think baby girl really liked it.

Here are a few pictures of our "Christmas room" decorating process:

Putting this village out every year really adds that Christmas warmth to the home. Since we (my sisters and I) have been collecting them since I was in elementary school - they have been a part of our Christmas tradition for what seems like forever. Every year when I pull them out of their little boxes I find something new that love about them. While we used to set up all of our village collections in one room at my parents, we have all taken our little part of the metropolis to our own homes. However, these houses make me call upon Christmas' past and gazing upon them always gives me that childlike feeling of Christmas.