Ahhh… at last Advent is here! Last year, in preparation for Dan being gone this Christmas I bought a little 2 foot tree for the boys and I for this year. After a beautiful Mass this morning I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t settle and put that puny little tree out. This is my very favorite time of year. A little strange this year without snow (cold for that matter) and without Dan.
It took everything I had but I got our tree out of the attic and the boxes and boxes of ornaments and decorations. One of the great things about Germany is they do Christmas VERY well. We have beautiful decorations and ornaments that we’ve collected over the 12+ years we’ve lived here.
If you haven’t heard it yet, check out The Nativity Story: Sacred Songs. Absolutely beautiful music. I also love all of the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CDs.
We live in Bavaria and Bavaria is very Catholic. One of my favorite things each year is to scour the florists for the perfect Advent wreath. Not really a “wreath” but I fell in love with the one I found this year. After we decorated the tree tonight the boys and I sat down and said a prayer and our intentions for this Season and then lit the first candle.
I’ve been having a very difficult time getting into the Christmas spirit this year, but your post has given me a little uplifting, which I need. Thank you.
I absolutely love that first evening with the tree set up and the lights twinkling. It’s magical almost.
I’m not complaining about the lack of snow though. It means more time to enjoy the outdoors before we’re holed up.
Beautiful pictures! Your boys look so cute. We are Protestant but we also are incorporating Advent in our Christmas traditions, trying to keep a focus on what is important in the middle of all the fun and festivities. Aggie is so cute too!
We went out and purchased our tree today and will decorate it next weekend. Your pictures are so inspiring and Aggie is absolutely lovely! The boys look pretty cute too!
What a beautiful tradition!! The boys look so happy!!
Wow, I bet Christmas in Germany is really spectacular. I must say that our family is high on holiday cheer right too… we just got home from looking at lights around the ‘burbs. Happy Christmas to you and your boys! 😀
It looks very snuggly and inviting at your house. Have a cup of Gluhwein for me!
Your home looks so warm and inviting…and Christmassy. Could you come decorate mine? I’m a little behind in that area. Probably won’t put up a tree for a couple of weeks. Oh well, the less I put out, the less I have to pack away.
You and the boys will be in my thoughts every day this Holiday season…hoping it will help you get through. I can only imagine who you and the rest of the families who will be celebrating without their loved ones home.
Here’s wishing you a VERY Merry Christmas…and remember, you are thought of every day…not just by me, but obviously there are many others who are keeping you close at heart this Holiday!
I am so glad that you went all out for the holidays, especially given that your time in Germany is coming to a close. Your tree looks magical in the background and so do those smiles on the boys’ faces. That’s what it is all about. Thanks for sharing your pictures.
What a wonderful picture of the boys and Aggie!You need to frame it! I love the Christmas-y photos you’ve shared today.
What a great photo of your boys and of Aggie too!
Your house looks so beautiful! Could you come over and make my house look like that? 😉
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. Some of us may have needed inspiration to get into the Christmas spirit, and for that, we are grateful. If you can do it, we can, too!
You have a lovely home =) it looks so warm and comforting.
I’m with you hon….I completely understand that feeling. With my DH gone we are driving out to CO and I have nothing Christmas up. I don’t know…I know it will be festive at my folks. It’s just hard. Nothing really can be said..other than- I know. {hugs} but your house does look like out of a magazine…I’d love to see more pics if you can! Of out in town, too!