The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

How in the world is it already Christmas season?! I’m not sure I’m okay with time flying by this fast but I’m very okay with the fact CHRISTMAS IS IN FULL FORCE everywhere I turn. With the sacred season upon us, I thought I would share a few of our Gilly Christmas Traditions that I cannot do without. We’re only on year two of marriage so there’s not a lot- I can’t wait to add more when we add littler people to this Gilly Gang 😉
Advent. However you and yours choose to do it- doesn’t matter how just do it. From cute banners to fun countdowns with chocolates -I think Advent is a crucial part of this season. It’s an anticipation builder that I think gets our heart and minds right for THEE day. My personal tradition is to start reading the book, “The Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskcamp on December 1st. It’s an Advent daily devotional that BLOWS MY MIND. It sounds so cheesy, but it centers me and reminds me of the “reason for the season.” It’s a quick few pages with some questions to ponder and I highly recommend it. I also found these cute advent cards from Junky Trunk this year and put them up with some rosemary- they’re so cute and the backs have daily inspirational scriptures.
The tree. Tree hunting in our house is serious business. You could say I’m a perfectionist and consider picking out a tree no small task. We like it as tall as our house can tolerate and as full as we can find it. I stole a tradition from a friend last year that cuts a sliver of the tree trunk and keeps it as keep sake. The sentimental side of me loves this and can’t wait to look back at the stacks of tree pieces we accumulate over the years together. Tree decorating- I love. Wil helps string the lights and steps aside to let me go to town. All our ornaments are monochromatic because I love that classy look and secretly am petrified that I will hate my décor in 3 years if I pick something too trendy- and my husband would literally loose his mind if I wanted all new. SO I stick to the basics. White, mixed metals, wood. And I love it. Tried the whole ribbon swoop thingy this year- so far, I like it. Check with me in a few weeks ☺ That brings me to my next tradition that may be my favorite of ALL.
Our yearly ornament. We take turns every other year picking out a Christmas ornament that represents that year and give it to the other person on Christmas Eve. Last year, Wil set the bar high for our first year by getting a mini house ornament from Pottery Barn; we had just bought our first house. It’s literally the cutest, ever. The little windows illuminate via battery operated pack. I love it. I’m pretty pumped about my selection for this year- I just want to give it to Wil already; stay tuned!!

Crepes on Christmas. This tradition is one my husband’s family started and we love to continue. Crepes are Wil’s JAM. The man doesn’t cook often (or know how to for that matter) BUT when he does, it is crepes. He loves me, so he makes them GF and DF and they’re beyond tasty; always served with coconut whipped cream and strawberries. I’m getting hungry thinking about it. So Christmas morning, you know crepes and coffee will be on our menu.

Merry Christmas Friends!
XO,