Decking the Halls---Traditions

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We have many family traditions especially around this time of year.  Today I thought I would share just a couple of them.  Every year since moving out to the country we have tried to decorate with some greenery from our property.  Early last week I asked the big guys to gather some for me, but Jackson (7) decided he would tackle the job alone.  He got a small saw and cut down two pine saplings.  Then he got the loppers and trimmed all the branches off, loaded them into a box and brought them to me.

Devin made two swags like this one with just one small branch, two cinnamon sticks, a rubber band and a length of ribbon.  Very simple and I am ALL about simple these days!

I put two large wreaths together by using a wire wreath form.  I tied the pine branches on the form with florist's wire.  Jackson then searched for small pine cones and we added those to the wreath as well.

Every year since our oldest daughter was born my mother has purchased each grandchild an ornament.  We have also purchased each of our children an ornament and we do the same for our grandchildren.  My mom started purchasing the pewter ornaments from Avon several years ago and they are gorgeous.  Jeff and I try to get ornaments that reflect an interest of each child or as a remembrance of a special trip or vacation.  Some years it is hard to find that one special ornament and when that happens I choose some of our favorites...for the boys...trains, nutcracker soldiers....for the girls....angels or snowmen.  Here are this year's selections.

Jordan got a pig ornament to help him remember the night we had to chase two hogs that had escaped their pen.  It wasn't a whole lot of fun at the moment, but later it sure has brought us many laughs!

 The snowman was this year's selection from my mom.  All seven of the children have one just like it!

Kaelan has actually selected several of her own ornaments and she tends to love bird ornaments.  This year I found this cute owl that is a huge jingle bell!

Jackson declared himself the "chicken tender", so this beautiful rooster was perfect for him this year!

As a young woman, Devin is at a time that she is making decisions that will affect the rest of her life.  This simple angel with the word FAITH will help her remember to have faith that God will lead her if she will follow.

This year Aaron recieved another nutcracker ornament to add to his collection.

Caedmon has loved dressing up in cowboy gear this year,  so this cute little ornament was perfect for him.

Lauren and her family will soon be moving into their new home and are not putting a tree up until then, so I haven't given them their ornaments for this year.

Our tree is full of beautiful ornaments that bring back so many memories for us.  As our children grow and leave our home they will receive their own box of ornaments to take with them.  Lauren treasures her ornaments as keepsakes from childhood.  When her home was destroyed by tornado earlier this year (they were on an overnight trip and were not harmed at all) the first things that she wanted to find were her ornaments and her books.  Her ornaments were fine, but sadly she lost most of her books.

What are some special family traditions that your family has during this holiday season?  Do you celebrate Advent, have a Jesse Tree, sing carols, have a special holiday snack?  I would love to hear about YOUR family traditions!