I love this time of year.  Everything seems cozy.  It was 48 degrees today. As I walked from my car into the grocery store, slightly shivering from the wind chill, I thought this is cozy.  Then I laughed at myself. The wind picked up a little more, and I started running to get inside.  But it's true isn't it? Christmas time is cozy. There are crackling fires, big fluffy scarves, wool mittens, boots with tall socks, flannel everything, and cinnamon scented pinecones.  

Cozy.

Then there is the twinkling  lights, hot chocolate with little marshmallows, gingersnap cookies, and nights spent wrapped in quilts.

Cozy.  I could go on but you get the idea.

At the top of my list of "cozy-making" items is the lovely Christmas tree.  I swear as soon as it goes up the whole house transforms.  It's magical.

Usually our tree is up Thanksgiving evening.  After all the festivities are over.  This year we were just a little late.  But still, its up in November.

We use an artificial tree (gasp!) and I am all for it.  Say what you will, but I love my fake tree.  Especially since it is pre-lit.   No stringing lights for this lady.  No thank you.  Also, no needles. #nuffsaid

Last year I had to ditch all my ornaments in favor of less breakable ones.  Those even proved no match for my rambunctious then-1 year old.  After losing almost half of them before the middle of December I opted for these homemade felt beauties.  

Today I was brave enough to bring out all my ornaments.  No felt tree this year! And I am super happy about it.  I have had these ornaments since the first year of our marriage.  I love them and all their woodland goodness.  

Parker watched every step of putting the tree together.  I made a big deal about which ornaments were "mommy ornaments" and "Parker ornaments".  I thought it would be more of a battle, but he picked it up really quickly.  Whenever I'd go to pick up some more ornaments I would return to a newly felt decorated section of the tree.  I was fully prepared to leave them up, but he thought they would be more comfortable with his toys for the night. I am sure they will make a reappearance soon.

Parker loved pointing out all the birds and growling when ever he saw the moose and bears.  We are still working on the animal sounds. Our biggest accomplishment tonight was not breaking anything! Go us! 

Now I get to cozy up on the couch with my favorite quilt and cup of Mexican Hot Chocolate. Yum! What do you do to get in the cozy Christmas spirit?