Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Everything about Christmas was more fun this year because Clara could participate and understand and, like her mama, was so very very excited about all things Christmas-y.  Here we are doing a little tree decorating....

I feel like I should say that the colored lights on this tree are one of the biggest compromises of my married life.  I always grew up with white lights and, well, to say that I prefer them is not quite strong enough.  Robert grew up with colored lights.  Last year, we had one of the ugliest fights of our marriage.  Yes, over Christmas lights.  And the decided truce was that we would alternate years.  So, for the first time ever, colored light adorned my tree.  It was a tough pill to swallow.  Good thing I love that man.

While her daddy strung the tacky colored lights, Clara and I had some hot chocolate.  It was her first taste of it, and seeing as how she loves chocolate, I thought it would be a big hit.  She took a few sips, handed it back to me and said, "milk!"  *sigh*  She will learn.  With time....

 Clara got to hang the first ornament on our tree...

Her hands are blurry here, because she was clapping for herself...

After the tree was (mostly) decorated, we moved on to nativities....

And hung some stockings by the chimney with care.

Now, of course, the next day Clara did this and we had to start all over again.  But hey! 'Tis the season....

Clara and her Nativity

One of the great joys of the Christmas season this year has been being able to watch it through Clara's eyes. She has really embraced the joy of the season and is so excited about Baby Jesus, the story of His birth, and celebrating his birthday.  She talks about him almost all day long and I am surprised at how much she really seems to understand to be not even two yet.  Here is a video of her playing with her nativity this morning and answering some questions about the Christmas story.  It's a long video, but worth watching, I promise!

Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus!