Branching Out

Look no further than your own backyard to create this affordable and totally dramatic holiday look!

There are many variations you can take on this centerpiece and it is really an easy way to make a big impact!    Find an oversize pot or tall glass vase to house your branches.  The star of the show can be as simple as a bare branch from your yard or you can "branch out" (I know, I know) and use magnolia branches, berry twigs, curly willow or even a winter-variety flowering branch if you are lucky enough to track one down.  Add some great ornaments to the tips and possibly some greenery or moss at the base of the twigs and voila... your masterpiece is complete!

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Countdown to Christmas

The fall has been an eventful and busy time in the Clark house this year - having spent more time away from our house than in it.  Now that things are slowing down and we are heading back home tomorrow, I am anxious to get our house cozy and festive for the holidays!  With only weeks left until the Christmas season begins, here are my thoughts to kick off the season... 

TRADITION

I've said it before and I'll say it again... this is one of the key ingredients to a great holiday season.  If there is no heart behind the festivities, then you are missing the point and missing out!  This is important whether you have young kids, grown kids or no kids at all.  The magic of the holidays are the memories made together... so get creative, be flexible and have fun!

JESSE TREE

Since our son is only 2 years old we are still in the process of creating our family traditions.  This year we are getting a "Jesse Tree" which is a really neat type of advent calendar that goes through all of the old testament stories that anticipate the coming of Jesus!  Preston loves to hear stories and what a better way to teach him what Christmas is all about.

If you are crafty then you may really enjoy making the ornaments yourself, but if you are like me then you may not finish until your kids are in college.  If that is the case, please visit Etsy for cute ornaments that you can simply order online!

"D" DAY

That is decorating day, not doomsday.  I realize it may sound like a fantasy to get your family, spouse or even friends to help with this one, but it's all what you make of it - so make it FUN!  Turn on some great Christmas tunes or holiday movie, light a crackling fire and serve hot cocoa and s'mores... oh ya, and then put those little elves to work (sneaky right?)!

One Charming Party

A few of our family music and film faves....

SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER

In honor of the generous Saint Nicholas, secretly "adopt" a family in need to lavish with gifts... make this really fun and meaningful by praying for this family, shopping and wrapping together, and ending with an exciting delivery of dropping the gifts, ringing the bell and dashing off like Rudolph and the gang!  After all it feels even better to give than to receive!

Ho, Ho, Ho!