I am so very guilty of Christmas scrolling through the perfect little Instagram squares.

I will search for decorating inspiration from the 1.7 gazillion people who have posted pictures of their Martha Stewart homes.

I will PIN on Pinterest the ideas I want to recreate and think hard about going to Hobby Lobby this day or that day.

In the end…….I might grab a few new trinkets or ribbon as I stroll through Walmart during my weekly grocery shopping.

But I still decorate my old, falling apart Christmas tree with the same ornaments.

The ornaments that I love.

The ornaments that my kids made when they were 5.

The ornaments that Mom made each and every year with the kids school pictures.

The ornaments that bring memories flooding to my mind.

The ornament that Jack and I chose this year and will remember next year when we hang it on the tree together.

When there is a toddler in the house, decorations go up.

The chandelier got a little love this year

And the train that is supposed to go under the tree?

Well it’s on the fireplace mantle.

Does it matter where the decorations are? Absolutely not.

People are more important that decorations.

I love how the tree shines through the window on the porch

Last year we decked the halls like nobody’s business and won the Historic District Christmas Decorating Contest. That was so fun but this year, simple spoke to me.

A smaller tree with some handmade ornaments

A garland swag with twinkle lights.

Everything looks better with twinkle lights

And some lanterns with candles line the sidewalk.

When Christmas is over and decorations are back in the garage, it will be difficult to even remember what this years decorations looked like.

The memories will not fade.

Read that book with your favorite baby.

Teach that same baby a new song and sing it 1000 times.

Bake the cookies from your grandmas recipe.

Love on some people you know are having a tough time this Christmas season.

Don’t pass by that stranger who is down on their luck. Remember how incredible blessed you are, in so many ways.

Tell your people how much they mean to you, don’t just assume they know.

Happy Christmas season 2018 friends.