Our Merry Little Christmas

I am a self-confessed Christmas nut. I know many of you cringe at the sound of carols played in the stores from October, and fruit mince pies in supermarkets since April but I LOOOOVE it.

It is an extra special Christmas in our family this year for 2 reasons:

1. Little Miss Isla is here.
2. For the first time in my adult life I am not working during Christmas!

As you become an adult, and move out of home some of the magic of Christmas wears off, but having a child brings it all flooding back. 

As a child I remember sitting in the lounge with my mum and sister under the lights of the Christmas tree singing carols together, or all watching the Carols by Candlelight on TV Christmas Eve, then Christmas day being with family, eating an incredible lunch and playing all afternoon. 

By the time I was a teenager I was 'too cool' for all that daggy stuff, but now I look back on it fondly. It isn't the presents, but the traditions our family created that last a lifetime.

Now I have a child of my own I am excited to continue some of those traditions, and maybe create some of our own too. 

The tree has been up since early November (maybe late October if I'm honest...), stockings are hung, Christmas cards posted, Michael Buble's Christmas is on repeat, and Isla has been wearing Christmas ensembles for weeks now. I love having the time to sew and bake special gifts with love for friends and family. 

Our little tree

Stockings I made for us this year (Dad, Mum & Isla)

Rudy the Reindeer (pattern from Melly & Me)

It was so special taking Isla for her photo with Santa (she was the perfect model!), and watching her wonder at the lights on the tree each night.
I can't wait for the next few years when we can leave cookies for Santa and food for the reindeers, and see the look on her face the next morning when she finds them eaten!  

Sometimes it is easy to forget how special this time of year really is. If you have the chance, relax and enjoy some time with your friends and family. xx