The holidays are over...

It is always a sad day for me when the Christmas decor comes down.

This year was especially hard I think because I didn't even feel in the Christmas spirit until 3 days before Christmas. Time is just rushing on and it feels like it is a real challenge to embrace and enjoy each single day by itself.

(and when it feels like it should be Halloween time, not Christmastime! LOL)

 

This year's Christmas was one of my most favorites, in spite of the slow to inflame Christmas spirit.

 

Our holiday was quiet, simple and perfect.

We were able to do one special gift for each child, plus a new book and something else small they would love. It was delightful to shop for them and anticipate.

Not too much running around in the days before the holiday.

We got to slow down and savor the time as a little family.

We are valiantly trying to do that more (as often as possible) because we realize our days of raising children are racing before our eyes!

 

This is the hardest part of Christmas for me to want to take down...

All our cards and photos from friends and loved ones.

It really helps bring the spirit of love into our home!

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!

 

On to the gifts that 2013 have to offer....