Winter tidings

I have a confession to make.

I made the dramatic decision to not put up my tree this year. I pulled it and the accompanying sparkly trimmings, up from storage along with all my other holiday decorations two weeks ago. Which, for someone with the upper body strength of a toddler, was a commitment. Or so I thought. After putting up the other items I took a step back and looked at the boxed tree lying on the ground. I then took a look around my small apartment and realized I didn't really have a place for it that wasn't awkward or in the way {this being the first December I have spent in this apartment means I haven't been faced with this problem until now.} I also didn't feel like being stabbed by its wire branches in the moment. And so, I hauled the thing back downstairs to hibernate for another year. 

Having said that, I am pleased with the humble decorations I did put out and have been enjoying for the past couple weeks. Here are some of my favourites..

Activity advent calendar.

I love making myself an activity advent calendar every year. I always have a laundry list of things I want to do during the holidays but I used to struggle with making them happen. Turning that list into an advent calendar helps by breaking it up into an exciting daily part of my December.

Holiday card display.
I got this cute little card line from Target last winter and think it's the best thing. What girl doesn't have a weird thing with owls? Stringing up the holiday cards I receive from friends and family allows me to appreciate them without having them be crowded on a ledge somewhere.

A few childhood delights.
I actually have a decent collection of decorations from my childhood as my mother gave away a lot of those items in my parents' last move. I still have memories of reading these books as a child and getting so excited for Christmas morning. My mom made me the angel in the Christmas of 1990 (when I turned one!) and the little thing has been perfectly preserved even after being pulled out every year to be put on display. I cherish her even more every year that I unwrap her from her protective bubble wrap. The squirrel (Richard, if you must know his name) is a new addition from Target. He's cool.

Cold weather snacks and scents.
After four years of running around the city on a wild goose chase, I finally got my hands on a David's Tea Advent Calendar this year. You have no. idea. the joy I felt when I walked into the store at opening and saw them unwrapping them from their shipping boxes. It has been so fun to open that little door every morning and try something new. Having said that, I also still love my tried and true Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane tea and its perfect combination of peppermint and wonder. Finally, no Christmas would be complete without almond roca and the smell of cinnamon and spice throughout my home. Please disregard the awful exposure of this picture. This is just what happens when you get home from work well after dark and have to rely on artificial lighting.