Norton Family Christmas Traditions

Christmas traditions are supposed to be fun. They're supposed to bring your family joy and be something you anticipate all year long. But when Jason and I were first married we didn't have any real traditions of our own and that just stressed me out! I kept wondering how we could be happy family if we didn't have any traditions. 

Christmas playlists to fit your mood

I love having Christmas playing the background when I'm doing Christmasy things like baking, decorating or wrapping presents. On Sunday night we had our first real snow fall and Jason and I just sat on the couch and watched the snow fall. I put on some Christmas music as we sat there and it really just made the moment perfect.

Changing your family's focus from presents to Christ this Christmas

I come from a family of nine and every year at our house Christmas was absolutely crazy. Presents were overflowing from under the Christmas tree and my poor mom was probably stressed to the max from all the shopping, wrapping and all the other Christmas responsibilities she had.

One year, my parents sat us all down and told us that how we celebrated Christmas would be changing. My selfish pre-teen self got really worried that I wasn't going to get everything I wanted for Christmas, but as my parents explained the new approach to Christmas my heart softened.

Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more FREE printable!

My favorite thing to do after Thanksgiving each year is decorate the house for Christmas. Growing up my mom put garland with twinkle lights on the staircase and it never felt like Christmas until it was up. Walking down the stairs only lit by the garland made Christmas morning feel extra special. My sweet  husband bought me some garland a couple of years ago and I love pulling it out every year to make it really feel like home.

Christmas printables

I was trying to decorate for Christmas yesterday and I wanted something new to decorate our new apartment. I was going to download a few fun printables, but I decided to try and make a few of my own. Tell me what you think, and feel free to download them for your home!

'

A White Christmas

We had a white Christmas with the Nortons this year. 

The snow was unexpected, but we ended up having a lot of fun in it. 

The boys threw snowballs at anyone who dared to go outside.

Our niece built a snowman or two, which was later destroyed during the snowball fights.

We ate a fabulous dinner of prime rib and cheesy potatoes. 

Opened presents and spent some great time together. 

It was an amazing family Christmas.

The true meaning of Christmas

Yesterday I posted about the fun of decorating for Christmas, but today I want to share a video with you that really touched me. This is what Christmas is truly about. 

This Christmas I hope we all remember what is most important to us. 

This is Christmas

Jason and I always decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. We go out of town every year for Christmas so we like to decorate and enjoy it for as long as we can.

Jason wasn't feeling well the day after Christmas so I decorated the tree. Last year we bought a fake tree because our apartment so was small {we couldn't even put up the whole tree last year. We had to leave the back side bare}. So, I set up the fake tree and got it all decorated.

After it was all set up, Jason got a call from our good friends asking if we wanted to go Christmas tree hunting with them. We said we'd go, and we weren't sure if we would actually get a real tree since we already had one {Jason really had to convince me}. 

We bought a tag and drove an hour away to the Targhee National Forest. Once we were there I knew we'd be getting a real tree. We walked around an area for a while, but didn't find anything we liked. We drove into the forest a little farther. Then we saw a bunch of good little tree that would be perfect on the side of the mountain. We got out of the car and started hiking up the mountain, where we found this little beauty. 

We "chopped" him down and Jason carried him back down the mountain. 

The boys were proud of the "game they caught."

We took our tree back home, made a quick run to Pizza Pie Cafe to celebrate our good fortunes and then came back home and finished decorating the house, and the new tree!

We love our real tree. It's not perfect, but it's cute and has a lot of character...and weird branches that jut out in odd place...but really we love it. 

Christmas lights around windows really make me feel like it's Christmas time. 

It's been fun getting ready for Christmas. Happy December everyone, and Merry Christmas!

Breaks

Shirt: DownEast Outfitters, Vest: made by my mom, Scarf: Esprit, Pants: AE,
Boots: Macy's, Bag: Le Mode

First, I need to say how amazing my new purse is.

{thank you, thank you, thank you Jason!!}

Second, it is sooo nice not having to go to class everyday.

Yesterday, Jason and I hid out in our room and watched

Parks and Recreation {♥}

while snacking on Christmas chocolates.

{does anyone else love chocolate oranges?}

Today we get to hang with my bestie, 

and eat the best bread sticks in the world.

Plus, we get to go back to the temple where we were married.

It's going to be a great day!

The day after Christmas blog

Sweater (actually a shirt): JC Penny, Button-up:F21, Pants: AE, Shoes:
Famous Footwear, Necklace: AE

Merry {day after} Christmas!!

I hope you all had a great Christmas with family and friends!

We spent our Christmas with my family in Oregon.

Jason got me some amazing gifts, 

{including this bag}

It was simple and lovely.

Plus we got to hear from my little brother who is

on a mission for our church.

If you need a little something extra after Christmas, 

you should probably check out the Shabby Apple. 

They are offering 20% off their sale section, 

and free shipping with the code:

"WINTERSALE"

I would recommend checking that out.

Hey there...you...

Shirt: F21, Belt: gift, Dkirt: Dress Barn, Boots: Macy's

So...finals are over. 

Therefore I figured I should get back into blogging. 

We are also in Oregon for Christmas break!

I am loving being home!

Today we are going to go play soccer

{because it's not negative 100 degrees outside!}

Also, I have a funny story for all of you.

Yesterday I was helping my mom with a lesson 

{she teaches the girls ages 12-13 at church}

and she wanted to have a baby in the classroom to talk about the birth of Christ.

I volunteered to hold the baby, 

but I had to stand in the hall until she was ready for that part of her lesson.

Therefore, I had to explain to about 40 people that no, this wasn't my baby

and that I was just helping my mom.

It became awkward quickly.

But, dang, it was one cute baby

A Christmas Sweater

Sweater: swapped, Pants: AE, Heels: Sears

Did you check out my fluffy kitty?

Last week was  our ward's Christmas party. Someone said it was an ugly sweater party, so I had to indulge. Jason picked this out for me in August at a clothing swap {and secretly wanted it for himself}. Of course I had to pair it with a good pair of five inch heels, so I couldn't run or walk or anything.

Also, check out our awesome gingerbread house. {do you see Santa on top?}

Merry December first

First, I'm going to be straight with you guys, 

these photos were a test. 

To see if I can take photos by the Christmas tree this season, 

or if it's wayyy to dark.

I haven't really decided if they're good or bad yet,

so please weigh in!

Also, {in my opinion} it's officially ok to wish you all, 

a very merry Christmas.

I can't believe how time has flied! 

Soon I will see my little sister, and talk to my little brother. 

I will eat a chocolate orange 

{my favorite Christmas tradition}

and snuggle up to my hubby while watching 

Christmas movies. 

....As long as school doesn't kill me first...