"Home" for the Holidays

We have traveled to Colorado to be with my parents, sister, and BIL for Christmas. We have been looking forward to this trip for a while. Relaxing in the mountains and God's beautiful creation is one of our favorites! And another one of my favorites is to be at my parent's home during the different holidays...especially Christmas. My mom decorates for each holiday from St. Patricks day to 4th of July and everything in between. But, Christmas by far is the best. I tried to capture some pictures on my phone so that you could see some of the joy that is Christmas that we experience. As you walk up the sidewalk there is a tree outside decorated with ornaments. And as soon as you enter the door oh the smell...it is grand. Tons of candles were burning, wassail was on the stove, Christmas music was playing, and every nook and cranny is decorated. It is cozy. Makes me want to curl up on the couch with a mug of wassail, look out the window at the mountains, and soak it all in. Bliss, pure bliss.

These pictures don't do it justice, but we will try to give you a slight glimpse into our Christmas environment this year. And, I couldn't get these pictures to upload in the order that I wanted so just bare with me here.

This is one of the nightstands in the kids' bedroom. We each get our own bottled water in our bedrooms. And, of course notice the snowman and the Moose book (just to remind you that you are in Colorado).
This is TW and I's bedroom. That bear is a body pillow. Love sleeping with that guy! Oh and those little piles on each side of him...we each had little pre-Christmas surprises. A few sets of matching Christmas pajamas, an annual tradition, and a couple other goodies.
This is the cute tree by their front door. Again, pictures don't do it justice, but the ornaments are whimsical and colorful and oh so cute.

This is the mantle. I'm still curious to see what the presents are. Not sure if they are just for ambiance or if something is in them...I guess we will find out. And the Santa's on either end are really cute.

This is the bench in the entry way. A yummy smelling candle, a really cool ceramic Gingerbread village (it lights up and moves...this is one thing I have picked out that I want passed down to me when my mama is done with it), and a bucket of Christmas books.
A reading table up in the den. Of course adorned with a couple Christmas trees.
This is one of my favorite nooks. It is sitting next to the coffee pot. The tree and that little Santa are really sparkly and I just love sparkle.

Here is the window I will be staring out of while sipping on my wassail.

There is so much more I wish I could show you. But there is a small, small glimpse into our world. Merry Christmas to you and yours! May it not be about the presents, but about His presence!