"these are a few of my favorite things"

I don't know why or what it is, but every year it seems to get harder and harder to get into the Christmas Spirit. I think the older you get, the faster the time goes, and it's like I just put everything away and it's time to get it back out again. This year especially. We had a long winter and such a short summer, it just doesn't seem possible Christmas is in 2 weeks!
 I used to decorate every little nook and cranny, but in the last few years I decided to simplify the Christmas season and just do some of my favorite things.
I still think a Christmas tree is mandatory although I confess it's crossed my mind a time or two not to put one up. After all, we never had a tree growing up and we survived. But in the end it just wouldn't feel like Christmas without a tree.

I started collecting snowmen ornaments years ago, and these are a few of my favorites.

I also like birdhouses. Maybe snowmen and birdhouses don't go together, but hey, it's my tree. I put on what I like.

I adore this little acorn birdhouse.

An Angel Snowman....

and a snowman skater.

This crackled snowman is another favorite.

When the tree goes up this becomes a good place to take a snooze.
 Bailey loves to sleep underneath things. Well, at least he did until the recliner episode. Now he's gotten a little leery of such places, but the tree has been pretty harmless so far. I have to keep to skirt tied around the tree or he will drag it all over the house to sleep on!

I love the slim pencil trees.They are perfect for small spaces.

Let's not forget why we celebrate.

Something new this year. I thought these are so pretty and they are super easy to make. This idea comes from Esther at fleurcottage. You can check out her blog for instructions. I put the little battery tealights in mine.

Wishing everyone a Blessed Christmas.