First of Christmas Tradition: The Quilt

This year I successfully finished the Christmas Quilt a week after Halloween. I was pretty relieved to get it done in such a timely fashion.  This year I used fabrics from past years.  I had to only buy a few more colors to complete my umbre squares.  At first I didn't love it.  But after taking a photo of it, I think it's fun.  And it's not necessarily the quilt that makes the tradition.  It's what we do with the quilt that makes the tradition so special.  This year I am changing it up again.  Each person who receives the quilt also receives a special note from the previous recipient.  I want my kids to think of the reasons why they love each other and help them see the good qualities they each possess. 

The Christmas Quilt 2011

From light to dark.  It's a trend this year.  So I hear.

The Christmas Tree.
This year I trimmed the tree.  Being a fake tree it was a little tricky.  I managed to removed every other row of boughs.  I prefer it when the ornaments actually hang from the boughs and not just lay on them.  I don't think the husband was too happy with me.  Until he saw the end result.  Usually I put the tree up the day after Thanksgiving.  I didn't want to be rushed this year to get the lights and ribbon on.  I decided to do all of that the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  We didn't put the ornaments on until the day after Thanksgiving.  It was nice to actually focus on the ornaments, which are special to each of the kids.  Another tradition that started when Brent was just a baby with his Grandma making him 1 ornament every year.  Brent's Mom has continued on with this tradition.  It's one the kids look forward to every year. 

I love the reflection of the tree in the window.  One of my favorite things about the holiday season is seeing others trees through their homes.  Trees bring warmth and love into a home.  It's almost an instant change once those lights are lit.