Oh how I love to soak in everything Christmas – and like a child, wish it would not end.

Every photo here speaks Christmas clear as Silver Bells, but each in different keys.

Sit back and enjoy the music….

And at the end, look for the NORAD Santa Tracker link.

Southern Living

Toby Fairley’s Blog

Tobi Fairley’s blog

Veranda

Country Living

Party Resources Blog

Traditional Home

Party Resources

Ritz Carlton Chicago

Country Living

Party Resources

Country Living

Traditional Home

Traditional Home

House to Home blog

Country Living

MarthaStewart.com

Tobi Fairley’s blog

“Mommy’s tree”, as my children say.

When I reflect on why we have 2 trees; one I decorate exclusively  (all by myself – no, you cannot help – step away from Mommy’s tree)  and one the girls and my husband can decorate any way they like (the one that lives in our sunroom – the room we use the most but that is tucked away at the back of the house) – I can only conclude one thing:   I have control issues.

Our daughters’ tree – the one they decorate. If you look closely, you can see an ornament my 10 year old made with her preschool photo many years ago. This tree is full of those sentimental handmade ornaments. You know the ones; brought home crushed in the bottom of a backpack or carried oh-so-gently off the bus,  and sweet little faces beaming with pride. This tree, in all of its down-to-earth sentimental beauty, really is my favorite. Control issues aside.

And finally, my husband is a retired Navy pilot (Go Navy!) and is dedicated to all things military. It has become a tradition that he gather the girls around the computer on Christmas Eve, early in the day, and together they track Santa’s progress with NORAD’s Santa tracker.

The brave U.S. and Canadian military men and women at NORAD, North American Aerospace Defense Command, stand watch over Santa on Christmas Eve and over the rest of us 365 days a year. Read more about NORAD here.

And if you have the chance, take a moment to thank a member of our Armed Forces and say a prayer for those spending the holidays away from family.

Hope you enjoyed the eye music.

Merry Christmas!

Roxanne, proud Navy wife.