It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Last Sunday, we decided to put up our Christmas decorations. J & I have come to learn that decorating a tree with a toddler running around is no small task. We started the work around 10am and didn't finish until closer to 7pm that evening. Granted, we had to take a couple of breaks. 1. Because JOE walked into a door and was in pain and 2. Because we needed to get more stakes for our outdoor candy canes so J had to go to the store. 

All in all, we like the way it all turned out. 

We started with the tree. Last year, we kept most of the ornaments above her reach. This year, we let her place wood and plastic ornaments within her reach. So far, its worked out well. The first night, she went around saying goodnight to each individual ornament. It was so cute! Nowadays, she focuses more on the ones she likes like Doc McStuffins and Sophia The First and just says goodnight to them. 

Anyways, JOE helped put the star on the tree. Our tree is rather tall so J had to climb on a chair and lift JOE up to it. 

She was rather fascinated with the star :-D.

Our fireplace. I am thinking of something different for next year so it doesn't look the same every year. Also, need to go shopping for a couple more stockings for our fireplace. Don't get excited! There's only ONE in there but I figured I'll get an extra one incase we decide to go for another after this.

I love our little Christmas village. I think this was such a worthwhile investment. JOE loves it too. I would like to get another one but I am not sure if I can convince J :-). Perhaps I'll be able to find it on sale after the season is over.

Why do we have an "E"? Well, how else would we know which one belongs to J? LOL...we'll likely be getting another "J" stocking anyways since we plan on sticking with the "J" theme. Hubby can have his special initial (actually his middle initial) as the man of the house for now :-). No...that's not a hint...Or is it? ;-).

JOE was in awe after the tree was all set up.

A view of our tree from upstairs. 

Later that evening, JOE sat on the couch, drinking her milk and enjoying a view of the tree. 

All lite up. 

A repeat from last year but I am already thinking of some changes to make next year. 

This one is new so you might see it a few more times. I wanted to do this last year but couldn't find these garlands ANYWHERE. This year when I saw them on sale in October, I QUICKLY grabbed them :-).

Then J tackled the outside. It is always a chore figuring out the lighting sequence since all the canes connect to each other. But I do love seeing them light up. JOE also loves to see them too. We did add lights to the bushes in front of the house (just underneath the windows) but you can't really tell from this pic.

And a pic collage of all the lights. I like the way it all turned out and am hoping to score some good deals after the holidays to add to our collection next year :-D. Can you tell I LOVE this time of year?

Do you decorate for Christmas? If so, how long does it typically take you? Have a fabulous weekend and remember to be kind to strangers especially this time of year. You just might touch a needing soul.