A Family's First Christmas

Tara

These past few months of marriage have been filled with laughs, tears, adventures and plenty of burnt bread. It's amazing to think about how much our lives have changed within the last year and all of the changes to come. This will be our first Christmas as a family—and I have to admit that it seems pretty surreal. We are in a strange but wonderful stage of life, wondering what our Christmas traditions will become.​

The one thing that has become a tradition for Phillip and I already is finding a tree in the woods and cutting it down! This was our third Christmas doing so and it is always a treat.

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Phillip built a rustic tree box for me that very first year we were together and I just think it is wonderful. It fits our style and looks great with our airy trees.  

Last year, since we were engaged, I went ahead and purchased stockings for us to use! I love coordinating, but not matching, stockings! That way you can add to your collection over the years without the stress of finding the exact same thing.  We don't have a mantle, so I just hung them along our buffet next to the tree. 

The first year that I worked at The Shoppes, Roxie tied an adorable “T” ornament to my Christmas gift. I loved it so much that last year she hunted for a “P” for Phillip! She sadly couldn't find one, but this year she had a surprise waiting for me. She ordered a “P” and a “B” at the beginning of the season! (The “B” is for our sweet puppy Breeze, in case you didn't know) Now our entire family is represented on the tree.

I was so thankful to have had a Christmas shower thrown by a family member when Phillip and I were engaged.  It was so fun to receive things that I could use to make our house a home during the most festive time of year.  I received the beautiful ornaments you see below on the left.  I just can't get over how pretty they are!  The ornaments below on the right belonged to my great-grandparents.  I love most vintage things--but I especially love having something of theirs hanging in the tree.  They add the perfect pop of color while reminding me of the true meaning of Christmas.  My great-grandfather, Pap, was a preacher and I know that their Christmas traditions didn't revolve around expensive gifts or rushing around--but rather time spent with family and friends and honoring the birth of Jesus. 

At my Christmas shower, I received the glass trees and the angel you see below.  I LOVE gold in case you haven't noticed, so you know that I adore these trees! 

I carried the gold and green theme throughout my wrapping paper as you can see.

One thing we did this year that I think may become a Christmas tradition was what we gave to our nieces and nephews.  With Phillip having nine just on his side, we knew we wouldn't be able to afford gifts for all of them.  We decided to make a ticket and treats for each child.  The ticket is valid for a day of fun with Aunt Tara and Uncle Phillip.  They get to choose an activity (out to a movie, gone fishing, let's get crafty, spa day, or other) and a restaurant they'd like us to take them to.  By doing this, we hope that we can begin to build lasting relationships with these children one on one, and become someone they can trust, look up to, and have fun with.

This year, Phillip and I decided that rather than giving each other gifts, we would take a trip!  We recently went to Texas on a whim with another couple and had the time of our lives!  We will be heading up to Tennessee after Christmas for a little hunting and relaxation.  We aren't in need of anything.  We are very blessed and are excited to have this opportunity to make memories with one another.  Who knows, in the next few years it may be a little more difficult to travel! 

Our first Christmas may not be very exciting, but it will be memorable.  I can't wait to see what our Christmas traditions become and how our lives change.  Though Christmas traditions may come and go--we know one Christmas truth that never changes. If God hadn't chosen to save the world through a baby, born to a virgin, there would be no Christmas.  May we always be in awe of what He has done.