Feeling Festive

It seems like these days (or rather weeks) have flown by. I've been busy at home with the girls, a few guests here and there and Christmas decorating. Yes, my mind is in Christmas mode and it's the first time that I've started celebrating this early. I say celebrating because decorating, buying or making ornaments, seeking out lights that have been hidden for a year is, in my book, a way of celebrating; especially when you can share with your kids your love for this holiday and have them be a part of it. On the other hand, Thanksgiving is approaching and although dinner will be our home this year, I haven't started planning and honestly, I'm not really feeling it. Though I don't have a dinner menu, this morning I was singing along to Christmas station on Pandora and lit up our Christmas village. Oh, my priorities...

Our tree is up, to much of the excitement of my daughters. I tried to make of the decorating something special with them by having them help me put up decorations and actually making some. I would like for them to be excited each year as winter approaches, to see Christmas not only for the gifts but for the chance to share and be around family; or better yet, I'd like the tree decorating to become a family tradition, something we do together (if only I can get my husband to join us too). Perhaps I ask for too much but, when I think of my childhood, some of my best memories are those of family gatherings (brothers, cousins, uncles/aunts...) not only on Christmas Eve but also on Thanksgiving and New Year's. The holidays felt special and there was always a tree. I'd like something similar for my girls. 

This year will be particularly special because it will be one of the very few times that my entire family  is together; not only will my parents be present but also my first nephew, who will be born at the beginning of december. Anyway, I've been in a very good mood this week, enjoying the Christmas cheer that is slowly taking over the city (I find New York to be at its best during this season). Here a few recent pics: