Carrie Cox’s Corner

Yesterday I did something that I have never done in my entire life! I decorated for Christmas on November the 1st. Feels a little bit like I cheated on something, but you know what….it was the most fun I’ve ever had decorating for the Holidays!

I had 5 teenage girls here at the house, and we had a Christmas decorating party. There was no pressure to decorate or prep for said party, the party itself was to decorate lol.  After school we hit up Starbucks for some Holiday fun drinks, came home, and cranked up the Christmas music. They helped me move things around, haul in the trees, and bring down the totes from the upstairs attic. I bought myself a Christmas candle from Bath and Body Works last week (half off baby) of a smell that I loved and I had a ceremonial lighting of the Christmas season candle. That baby burned all night and smelled amazing! As a matter of fact I’m gonna go light it right now (brb)…

Okay, that’s better. It’s called “Christmas Cabin.” Reminds me of a little bit apple, little bit evergreen tree, smidgen of cinnamon, plus smokey fireplace and maybe a hidden layer of soft vanilla. Ever tried to describe a candle scent? That’s the best I can do.  It’s red plaid on the outside of the jar, which somehow makes it smell even better lol. I think I’m going to make buying a new Christmas candle a tradition. I’ve always felt a little guilty buying anything for myself once the clock strikes November, but it was such a thing to look forward to and really added to the ambiance of our day. 

So we lit the candle, cranked up the carols, hauled in the boxes, fluffed the tree, strung the lights,  hung the mistletoe, rolled out the Christmas red carpet (or the seasonal welcome mat at least), and had a blast. The girls took pictures by the tree and made silly videos dancing to Christmas music while I was working on the other smaller details. I heard so many laughs and saw so many smiles while we were working, my heart was completely full of joy after the first hour. Our Kick off to Christmas didn’t stop there– they made and decorated Christmas cookies, we had caramel popcorn and then when we finally got our boxes put away and all the nettles swept up, we settled down. The soft glowing lights of the tree were reflecting in the window, and Daisy snuggled with us like one of the girls. I had already announced that we were going to watch Little Women, the one from the 90’s with Winona Ryder and a baby Christian Bale. It felt more Christmas-y than the new one. Dad and Hunter tried to change our minds, but it had already been decided- a chick party with a chick flick. Oh man. It was good. Our day started with laughing uncontrollably together and ended with us all crying our eyes out at the scene when Beth died. Still gets me….sniff…

After our movie we were all ready for bed. We said goodnight with hugs, and they all told me multiple times, “Thanks for this. It was such a good idea. We had so much fun!” and I said with a genuine smile, “So did I!”

So today, I’m thankful for breaking tradition. I’m thankful for joy.