Decking the Halls and Letters to Santa

We started the tradition like a lot of other people to put the Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving. We have two trees that we put up, both are artificial, but still good trees. We put them in front of our windows so that you see both of them at night. That is the extent of our Christmas decorations that people can see from outside. Growing up, my family and I would have a competition whenever we drove somewhere. We would count houses that were decorated and see who who get the most. But more often then not, we would end up with the same numbers because we would point out every decorated house to each other. We especially liked it when we would be heading to the church building for something and could see houses way up on the hills all decorated. We counted any kind of decoration we could see, including the Christmas tree inside someones house. If you could see it, it counted. Thus, you can see our two Christmas trees that we put up because we open all the blinds at night so that you see two twinkling trees.

We are piecing together the big tree that goes in our downstairs family room. Jared and I were able to score this tree for only 5 bucks at a garage sale during the summer. If you are ever thinking of getting an artificial tree, get one from a garage sale. You will save hundreds and get a really nice tree.

 More pictures of us putting the tree together, branch by branch. Eli "reading" the directions off for us. Each section is color coordinated, so it isn't that hard.

 Another picture to prove I helped.

 We sat the kids down and had them write out their wish lists for Santa. We explained to them, that though they may have a big list of things they would like to get, sometimes Santa gives just one of the things on that list or something completely different, but that they are each good kids and Santa just gives what he thinks you will use and like the best in the long rung. (However, Jared and I are pretty sure we know what Santa is bringing the kids for Christmas and so we guided the kids to come up with that certain wish and put it on their lists. So, I think we are covered. )

Santa scored some pillow pets at the San Diego swap meet. (I wonder if he was there when we were there?) They were brand new and there were exactly four of them, perfect for each of the Heath kids. The seller lady said they were 10 dollars each which is totally a score since they are normally 20dollars each at the store. So Santa said he would take all four, but, would the lady take 30 dollars for all four pillow pets. Deal, the lady said. Just after that, a gentleman asked the lady if there were any more pillow pets left. No she said, those were my last, sorry! Santa and Mrs. Claus were tempted to sell one of their new pillow pet purchases to the gentleman for a small hiked up price...Jordyn is little enough that she won't even care if she got a pillow pet, they thought, but in the end, they decided to keep all the pets and give all the sweet Heath kids one for Christmas.