Finally Feeling Like Christmas

i won't lie: the weeks leading up to our move back to austin and since our arrival were very difficult. finally, this week, there was a break through of sorts, and things feel like they are more back to normal.

of course, thanks to all the stress, we were sorely lacking in christmas spirit around these parts, and now that we're breathing a little easier, we've finally put up our tree, stockings, and our little christmas countdown, too. additionally, i transcribed my daughter's letter to santa today - in which she asked for nothing crazy! i sort of hoped that she'd ask for something crazy, like a unicorn, but she asked for lalaloopsy dolls, dress up clothes, and books - all pretty standard fare for a girly girl like we've been blessed with.

the hubs and i aren't really going to do christmas this year, given that he's not working yet, and operating on one income is tough, but i thought i'd post a few examples of my favorite kind of christmas decor.

what i really require from holiday decor is for it to feel "home-y". i love this simple color scheme,a nd the fact that the items they chose to decorate with aren't overly flashy (not that I don't love a good sparkle!). 

truthfully, this would never really be an option for me, with a wee one at home, but i think it's stunning and really, quite inventive. i love this mix of media. 

i love love love this idea! so simple and chic.

and, as for a few things that are definitely on my wish list this year?

we don't really have much in the way of christmas traditions, but we do buy new pajamas every year and sleep in them, and this year will be no exception.

do you have any christmas eve/holiday traditions you keep up with every year?