Christmas

Christmas this year was amazing! It was so nice to be able to actually get into the Christmas spirit instead of studying for finals, worrying about apartment cleaning checks, and then rushing off to the airport just a few days before Christmas. It was also exciting because it was our first Christmas as a married couple.        
                      

In fact, I was so excited that I will admit we got our tree a few days after Thanksgiving.

I had been wondering for a while where people in San Diego get their trees, as we usually just picked the best looking one from the backyard. I had heard of tree lots before, but the idea of one was still very foreign to me. Even more strange than tree lots was the idea of getting a tree from Home Depot...which we did.

We went to Home Depot and spent a while unraveling a bunch of trees to find something fluffy and straight. Michael was even using his work keys to cut the strings, so resourceful. I felt bad for those poor trees all strung up and netted; I can only imagine the terror they must feel when Christmas comes around. Even more sad are the trees that get left behind and abandoned, waiting alone in a corner watching all of the other trees being taken by loving families. Of course, this makes me think of the IKEA commercial with the old lamp. (They aren't alive)

Unless you consider the fact that they grow and reproduce, in that sense they are living - but we'll save that debate for another time.

The biggest surprise to me was the actual transportation; tying a tree to the top of your car? It works. The things you learn living in a city.

Set up was pretty easy, Michael's an expert. I got some Christmas ornaments from my reception in Canada, and Michael's mother was very kind and gave us some as well, so we had a few things to put on the tree. These were by far my favorite though - so adorable.

We went a little craft crazy this Christmas.

I saw these stockings online and really wanted to try making them, probably because of some deep desire to prove that I can be one of those cutesy wives who can sew and do crafty things. A year ago, the idea of sitting on a couch sewing was revolting, it's amazing what marriage can do to a person. Or maybe it was the fact that M&M's were involved.

For fun, we decided to make some bulb ornaments to remember our first Christmas. We were joking about how our kids are going to ask us what year we made these in elementary school, and we're going to have to tell them the sad truth.

Michael's bulb

Amanda's bulb

Michael already had a nativity set, but it didn't have a stable or animals. Michael created a make-shift stable which turned out pretty well. Sadly we decided cotton ball sheep just wouldn't fit in (neither would squeaky dog toys).

We feel really blessed to have such a nice place. Aren't we supposed to have a Charlie Brown tree as newly weds? Michael even had some lights to put around the window that are sound activated, it was pretty neat.

Our home: we're so proud.

The cutie bowl.

Michael and I felt a little ridiculous walking down the street with our arms full of pine cones.

3D snowflakes

Like I said, it was an amazing Christmas. We were very spoiled by our families, and Christmas dinner with the McPhies was quite the adventure. What a wonderful life I have.

Oh, speaking of wonderful lives, sadly I did not get to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" this year, which is usually a family tradition. However, I was introduced to a new movie called "A Child's Christmas in Wales," which is the McPhie movie tradition. It's a delightful film that really helps you get into the Christmas spirit.

I was also shown another movie for the first time this Christmas.

Anyone who knows Michael knows that he loves the Muppet movies. The look of disbelief on Michael's face when I told him I had never seen any Muppet movies was priceless; first horror, then disbelief, followed by bewilderment. I tried to shrug it off and mentioned something about Sesame street. I mean, Muppets, Sesame street, same thing right? If ever you think there is a similarity between the Muppets and Sesame street you can rest assured that Michael McPhie will show you the light. Despite all of that I still almost got away without seeing it, as it was unavailable on Netflix, but for some odd/crazy reason I decided to buy it for Christmas.

I will admit that it has catchy music...

I like the mice :)