Christmas preparations:

As Christmas rolls around each year, we realize that we don't have much in the way of decorations. We've spent more of the small Christmas funds on family, others in need, and friends in need. This year is no different. We have simple decorations to express our love for the season and our love for Jesus Christ.

This year I thought I would document how excited we are for Christmas in our new house! The preparations began and are continuing until the big day:

1- The first week in December we read the Nativity story and put up the Nativity set that my grandma and grandpa Barker made for us when we got married:

2- the next week we put up our Christmas tree that we got last year. 2012 we didn't even have time or space to put up the tree. 2010 we bought a $6 1 ft tall plastic Charlie Brown tree. 2007-2010 we didnt have a tree at all. This year our awesome 7 ft prelit tree is wonderful, even with some of the lights gone out. 😉

3- Stockings are hung by "the chimney" with care. Talia picked hers out today. Mine was made for me when I was quite young by my grandma and grandpa barker. McCord picked his out when he was 2 yrs old.

4- emails to Santa

5- cookie baking

6- Christmas village

7- Christmas movies! Each year I try to get in all my favorite Christmas movies. I usually have them on while doing house chores so I can get through them all. Here's my movie list:

- It's A Wonderful Life

- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

- The Santa Clause

- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

- Home Alone

- A Muppet Christmas Carol

- Charlie Brown Christmas

- White Christmas (1950s)