Merry Christmas!

For all of those that celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas to you!! (and a very, very happy day to those who don't!).. My family celebrated altogether last night (my first time as an 'adult' in the family... never realized how watching the kids open presents, and not opening any myself!). Stockings are the main event in my family, so I was super stoked for that! I got lots of everyday things that I didn't want to buy for myself (haha best ever).

Today at approximately 3 am, my youngest brother woke me up to tell me that Santa had visited. Usually I'd be excited, but I knew what Santa brought me this year, so I stayed in bed. At 7, mom woke everyone up and we got to open gifts from mom and dad (mom bought me a book about surviving away from your mother... haha, love her ideas).

Church went old school with hymnals (and an extremely short message!) and we all went over to grandma's for brunch (pancakes and bacon!). Later this evening, we're having ribs and other manly meaty meals, and going to the movies!

This is new for us, our traditions are really strict and the same every year, but with Christmas being on Sunday, and having church, it kind of threw us all off! It was still wonderful. And I am so thankful for my family and the time I get to spend with them. Plus, I got new owl jammies. No complaining over here! ;)

Merry Christmas,everyone!

So thankful for all of you! ♥

xo Haley

Christmas Cheer.

As a reference, the picture below is what I'm used to during the Christmas season...

My mom takes great pride in our home during the holidays. As soon as we get back from St. Louis for Thanksgiving, the tree is up and the house is full of snowmen. Sometimes, it even happens before Thanksgiving. I l.o.v.e my home during this time of the year. So cozy and just all around Christmas-y.

To no surprise, this Christmas has just snuck up on me! Usually I have my mom's winter decor around to remind me that Christmas is coming, but this year, it was all left up to me.

Moving out on my own has been the best experience (it's hard to believe I've been on my own for 6 months!), but things have been a bit challenging when it comes to making my new home feel like Christmas as well.

Anna put up Christmas lights (which I love!) and then she taught me (and Blake) how to make paper snowflakes (can you believe I couldn't remember how to make them?!).

I then saw a photo that Elsie had pinned on Pinterest and since we don't have a real Christmas tree in our home (waiting for Targets post-Christmas sale.. but I'm still holding out for a pink tree!), I told Anna we should use our snowflakes to make a tree on one of our huge windows!

I woke up to quite the surprise this morning when I noticed Anna made one last night!

In addition to the snowflake tree, I have like, 3 mini sized Christmas trees in my bedroom.

Seriously, Target is Christmas decor heaven.

I have found thought, that one of the perks of moving away (and close to downtown Springfield) are the lights...

These are the gorgeous views from right outside my window!

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. I just love the cozy feeling and cuddling up on the couch with a good Christmas movie and hot tea. Best feeling.

I'm making a list of Christmas traditions to start (and Elsie is providing great inspiration lately!), do you have any ideas or suggestions?! I would love to hear some of your favorites!

Blake and I have multiple jammie days during the holiday season (our first is tomorrow! We have lots of movies planned to watch!), but I'm itching to start some new traditions!

Send your ideas this direction ;)

Merry early Christmas, everyone!

Only a little over a week to shop! Eeek!

xo Haley