The Magic of Christmas

This time last year (depending on which time zone your in) I was flying high above the North Pole and the Atlantic Ocean.
Despite the fact that we were not home for Christmas I still put up a tree and decorated it with the few things I had inherited from Ty's mom.
This year is going to be very different.
We'll be staying very close to home. Waking up to presents in the morning. Being able to actually exchange gifts to one another.
For these reasons I'm counting this year as our real 1st Christmas as a married couple.
Last year was amazing, but I've really enjoyed getting gifts for my hubby and waiting in anticipation for his reaction.

Our tree this year isn't as skimpy either.
Fake, yes, but skimpy it is not.

While we were in Germany I made a special effort to find ornaments fit for our family tree.
What's more appropriate than a set of nutcrackers?

A package of miniature Christmas folk in true German form.

Pinecones and little red gift-wrapped presents also hang from the plastic branches.

I still use the ornaments gifted to me from my mother-in-law.
I love this little German Cukoo Clock.

How darlin' is this little guy?
He makes me hungry.

These small red and gold balls accent the tree perfectly.

To finish it off is a lovely red and gold ribbon that came with the pinecones and small gift boxes.

I beg of you to disregard the A/C unit behind the glory of the tree.
It's not my fault.
I didn't put it there.

In Germany, real candles were lit on the tree. My mom told me that there were some fires as a result.

It's also a well-known tradition that the tree wouldn't be decorated until Christmas Eve. It was an unveiling of sorts.

I'm too anxious and couldn't stand the waiting.

I'm really excited because today my family will be doing our German Christmas Dinner.
It's part of the Magic of Christmas for me.
That magic gets lost somewhere along the way to adulthood and we forget how exciting all those little things can be.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy your family, friends, and food.
And presents.

Happy Christmas Everyone!