It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

In the run up to Christmas, each of us at The Scrappy Tree are going to talk a little about special things that for us really get that Christmas spirit going - today, it's my turn! This year for the first time I've been working on a December album, and it's really made me more alert to the things that happen in December that make me feel Christmasy :) Last weekend I went out to a Christmas party, and this weekend we decorated the house and put up our tree.

One of the things I really love are Christmas lights; at our house we only decorate inside, but I love how beautiful it looks when there are lights decorating the trees. I took this picture for my December album while we were at the Christmas party last weekend (does anyone else really enjoy driving around looking at all the lights and decorations people put up outside their houses??)

My favourite thing about putting the tree up and fairy lights all over the house is the cosy feeling of switching all the normal lights off and just sitting in the glow from the Christmas lights - is there anything that feels more festive? Get yourself a warm blanket, cup of hot chocolate (or glass of wine!) and put some Christmas music on - bliss!

At our house, we have a bit of a thing for Disney Christmas ornaments :) over the years, some have been ordered specially from both sides of the pond, some have been treasured gifts from friends and some we even brought home from Disney visits to Paris and Orlando!

I love that our tree has ornaments that tell stories of lots of different Christmases and visits and family and friends - some of the ornaments are older than me, while the most recent were bought in Florida just a few months ago. I know he's not Disney, but even Dobby the house elf now has a home on our tree :)

It's usually me and my Mum that decorate the tree between us, and I love being the one to hang the ornaments on the branches because it gives you the chance to really look at each one before it goes on the tree and becomes part of the complete picture. Of course the tinsel has to be draped over the clock and the picture frames, the little village of Christmas houses has to be set up on the windowsill and the snowflakes have to be stuck on the window too!

It's the Christmas ornaments and fairy lights that really make me smile though :) Have you got a favourite Christmas decoration with a special story? Do you always decorate at the same time each year? Whose job is it at your house to decorate the tree?

Come on folks, let's get festive! I want to hear your Christmas stories :) look out for our next Christmas post from Diana next week :)

Have a Scrappy Christmas everybody! Gayle xx