Christmas Traditions

Jeff and I started our own Christmas traditions while we were dating.  For our first Christmas together, I still lived in an apartment but always had to have a Christmas tree - and a big one at that - no skimping on trees allowed!  So Jeff went with me to pick one out and help me carry it back to my apartment.  We made dinner together, which was his mom's recipe for Chicken and Dumplings and are so delicious.  Then we listened to Christmas music and decorated the tree.  Four years later and that's what we still do every year!  Here's our Christmas tree this year:

and this is how I wrapped our presents this year from pictures inspired by pinterest of course!

Another tradition that we started was collecting ornaments from each place that we traveled to so that when we decorate the tree, we can look back on the wonderful memories of our vacations together.  It's so fun to have a tree with ornaments that hold such special meaning to us!

New Orleans & Ouray, Colorado

Las Vegas & Jeffersonville (went to Louisville too on that trip!)

On our honeymoon in Zihuatenejo, Mexico, we picked up this cross at the market since I couldn't find an ornament, and I just put a ribbon through the hole to hang it.  It's one of my favorites!  The palm tree is from Belize.

We are also going to pretend like there is one from Chicago right here, deal?  I never got one on our trip, and I need to find one that I love so I can order it. 

...and our newest addition!!  New York City!!

I love that we already have our own special traditions to celebrate Christmas!!

Merry  Belated Christmas to all of you!!

Tara