It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011 Lasher family Christmas tree... 8 foot Fraser fir.

Live wreaths on the front doors, a Lasher family tradition.

Front entryway

It's only two days after Thanksgiving, but are off and running with decorating for the holidays. We're a mixed faith family and we celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. We decided to get a live tree this year because we haven't had a live tree since 2008. Our thinking was to get our tree early so that we could actually enjoy it. Plus, we eliminated the time it takes to set up and take down an artificial tree and put up our tree in 5-minutes. Tonight we will decorate the Christmas tree as a family, complete with Christmas music, another Lasher family tradition. And don't worry, the Hanukkah decorations will go up once we dig all of the holiday decorations out of the many, many boxes. Getting the house ready for the holidays is something I actually enjoy. Having the house decorated makes it feel extra welcoming and cozy. There's something about the glow of a Christmas tree that makes me feel all happy and warm inside. 

This year should be especially fun because Bella will be 20-months-old and will have a better appreciation of the holidays. I think we will begin teaching her the story of Christmas and the story of Hanukah, so that she will eventually learn the reason behind each holiday. The holidays aren't just about receiving gifts and pretty decorations... and we want Bella to grow up knowing that. The holidays are about the birth of Jesus (Christmas) and the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Bella is lucky enough to have a Jewish parent and a Christian parent to teach her the history, which we think is pretty cool. We have various books to help us teach Bella the true meaning of each holiday and hopefully she grows up respecting and appreciating the sanctity of each. 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here and in another week or so, Hanukkah. It's a special time of year and a great time to be with family and friends. We have a jam packed schedule ahead of us, which should make for a very busy but fun holiday season. Well, I'd better get back to the decorating with the family... enjoy your Saturday!

Love always,

Ian, Kim, Bella & Baby #2