no, christmas tree!

I have a feeling we will be spending the next several weeks trying to keep James from tearing down our Christmas tree.  It's hard to keep myself away from shiny, sparkly, objects so I can imagine how appealing they would be to a 13 month old.

I convinced Joe that it was OK to put our tree up despite it still being November. James tried his best to get in on the action but was most helpful watching from a generous viewing distance.

Because I'm cheap and always seem to have an idea of something that doesn't actually exist in any stores east of the Mississippi, I decided to make my own tree skirt.  It cost me less than $5 for some burlap and linen-ish fabric.

I used the leftover fabric to make a few ornaments...

I bought "family stockings" last year but because we were living in the condo, we didn't really have a place to hang them.  They've been up for less than 3 hours and Joe has already complained that his doesn't have any gifts in it - but I also don't see him rushing out to fill ours with goodies either.  I'm still not sure how I feel about the mantle so it will probably change several times over the next month but, for now...

Guarding the tree from little, curious hands will be enough of a challenge so I don't think we'll do too many other decorations inside the house.  We (*ahem* Joe) plan on taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and hang some lights outside tomorrow.  Our house is set back and barely visible from the street but I'll still appreciate pulling into the driveway and getting that warm feeling that Christmas lights seem to bring - hopefully Joe will be equally as appreciative of $5 hand-made gifts this year.

'Tis the season!