Simple & Lovely Christmas Decorating

The spirit of Christmas is in full swing at our home! We got down some of our decorations this weekend and I wanted to share some pictures with you!
I don't really have a style or theme when it comes to holiday decorating...I just buy or make whatever strikes my fancy and go with it! Being that we have two very active young boys and only stained concrete or ceramic tile in our home, we don't put out breakable decorations that are in their reach! Shattered glass = no bueno! :)
Anyway, here's a quick tour of what I've put up so far!

Piano in our living room

These tree cones were a breeze to make! I'll tell you how below!

Just some simple natural decor

I think this Santa is so cute!

These are a few ornaments with the boys hand and feet prints on them!

Our front door

Our fireplace

I love this live wreath...it smells amazing!

Tree cones information: I made those adorable tree cones just the other day, which is one of the reasons I need to clean out our laundry room sink! All you do is get some green floral cones from Michaels or Hobby Lobby, over them in ModPodge, then cover them in glitter of your choice. Once it's dry, simply spray some adhesive glue on them to keep the glitter from flaking off!
What are some of your favorite Christmas decorations for your home? 

15 Things I Want Our Family to Remember at Christmas

Christmas 2012

Christmas is just a few very short weeks away! We are in full Christmas swing around here. Our oldest (5) is really loving it and is so excited to help decorate our house.
Being that we have young kids, my husband and I really want to keep the true meaning of Christmas at the forefront of our minds. It can be hard though.
It's easy to get caught up in the beautiful, color coordinating, simply perfect Christmas trees. It's easy to get caught up in buying loads and loads of toys and other 'things' for the kids. It's easy to get caught up in the "I wants."
So, I came up with a list of the things I hope we can instill in our kids during the holidays. (And some reminders for myself!) Actually, it's something we want our kids to know year round!

Christmas 2012 - Memories!

1. Christmas is about Jesus. Period.
2. We are blessed beyond measure and it's our job to help those in need.
3. Give, give, give. Do this year round not just in December!
4. Having a perfectly decorated beautiful Christmas tree is not a priority.
5. In fact, if it's decorated on one side and only at the bottom because of your 'helpers', it's even more beautiful. 
6. Find joy in what you do have. 
7. See Christmas through the eyes of kids...remember how excited we were at 5am on Christmas morning!
8. Handwritten thank you notes are worth it.
9. Baking is a must. Baking and making messes makes it even better.
10. Always have change ready to give the Salvation Army bell ringers.
11. Crank that Christmas music up!
12. Leave cookies for Santa and sprinkle reindeer food on Christmas Eve, even if it's going to be 75 on Christmas Day. 
13. Traditions are important. But adding in new traditions are important as well.
14. How many presents you get doesn't matter.
15. Being with family and celebrating the birth of our Savior does matter.

What's important to your family during the Christmas season?