Christmas is coming too soon!

Now I don't say that because I'm not prepared, cause I am. I just have mixed feelings. I say that because I love Christmas so much and once it comes, it's gone! For another whole year. Does anybody else feel like this or am I the only one out there? I guess I should just be glad that this wonderful time of year that I've looked forward to for so long, is finally here. And I am happy for that. I really am. Because I am really looking forward to spending quality time with this handsome man:

(This is Nick just chillin on the couch watching hockey. so sweet.)

Since September, Nick's been gone from 5:30am-almost 7pm every day, and I find myself missing him more and more as the days go by. So Christmas break together will be just what I need. I am looking forward to sleeping in and relaxing, doing whatever I want for a week and a half. I'm also looking forward to cuddling in blankets and watching Christmas movies and eating yummy treats. Speaking of yummy treats, this is what I made this week. Don't be too jealous :) Only 8 more days till Christmas. Yay! (See, I am still excited.)

White Chocolate Snack Mix (Mmmmm...)

I love Christmas!

A new favorite: CandyCane Kisses - An old favorite: Second Cup White Hot Chocolate YUM

Nick teases me that I might be obsessed with Christmas. It's not true though. I just get so excited when there's anything to do with Christmas because I love the season so much. I'm including a few pictures of the decorations I have around our house, especially my much loved tree. And today I thought I'd share a few of my favorite Christmas memories.

My book shelf: We made the Wiseman tile at Enrichment last month, isn't it great? If you can't tell, it says " O Holy Night"

Christmas Balls

Stripey Stockings

My Christmas garland and wreath

Christmas Memories:

As long as I can remember I am the major decorating helper to my Mom. I love putting up the Nativity sets, and the little village my Mom has. Once my Dad puts the lights on the tree, I love decorating it, and seeing all the ornaments we've collected over the years. I love the cold snowy nights sitting around a toasty fire watching a movie. I love that my parents house has an actual wood burning stove that creates that toasy atmosphere. I love coming home from a cold afternoon of tobaggoning to a mug of hot chocolate and a bowl of popcorn. When I was younger we used to go to my Grandma & Grandpa Legge's house on Christmas Eve (we still go there, it's just a different house now) . But when we were little, we used to sleep over there with my cousins and our parents and all have Christmas morning together. We used to make a fire in their fireplace and roast hot dogs, and Santa would always make an appearance! As a kid that was always so much fun. One or two years we even had a horse and sleigh ride around town. More recently, we have started a Boxing Day tradition (or somewhere in the few days after Christmas) and we all go skating and play hockey together. I think that's probably the favorite thing for Nick :) I love that everyone has time to visit with family and friends, and you can catch up with those you don't talk to enough. I am truly grateful for a family as close-knit as ours, and for all the great memories I have with them.

I've complained a lot about not being able to put up my tree sooner, but I'm glad we waited so that we could get a real tree. I love the smell it brings into our home, and it was fun to go pick out. Pretty nice tree for $35 huh. (The picture makes the tree look more blue-green, but when there's no flash it looks great.)

And here is my much awaited for Willow Tree Nativity set. I love the simplicity of these pieces, and I love having a scene of the Savior's birth in my house so that I can think of that wonderful night often. (The table might be a little small once I have the full set, but it'll do for now :)

Sneak peek...

I have been waiting FOR-EV-ER for it to snow! I really wanted our Christmas card picture to be outside in the snow, so of course random Alberta weather decided to be mild and not snow until this week. But I finally twisted Nick's arm enough today and we got his sister to take a few pictures for us. I think they turned out pretty cute, though I saved the best one to mail out. Here's a sneak peek. :)

Nick looks like he really loves me in this picture, but he was actually really cold and tired of posing. What a good sport.