Dec 12, 2016

Well if I wasn’t already obsessed with all things Christmas, my family’s annual Christmas tree hunting trip always makes sure that I’m constantly humming Christmas tunes and smelling like a pine tree!  Unfortunately I’ve missed the last couple of years due to working out in Salt Lake City, so this year I was constantly double checking the date and making sure our family tradition would go as planned!

It 0f course didn’t, but still felt rich in tradition.

This isn’t the first time my family’s cabin has graced this little corner of the web, but our rustic cabin (emphasis on rustic) feels extra nostalgic around the holiday season. The cabin is tucked back into the woods poised with this beautiful lookout of the valley that is typically dusted with snow this time of the year.

And while we don’t have electricity or running water, the views and stillness make up for it.

Something that has been coming up a lot for me this Christmas seasons is giving.  I often feel blessed to have so many wonderful family and friends in my life, so getting more ‘stuff’ when I already have more than enough, just feels like too much.  So this year my family and I have decided to ultimately give our Christmas to another family in need.  We are doing a few small presents for one another, but the majority will go to those are truly in need.

My favorite story to tell is actually my momma’s story of her favorite Christmas – her already poor family gave up their own Christmas for an even less fortunate family.  It’s acts like this that truly define Christmas spirit and ones I want to start taking part of.  So while I’m happily giving back to families, I’m also making sure things like our annual Christmas tree hunting trip take preference over other things.

It’s cheesey, but even just a few hours romping around in the snow + a couple more spent by the fire in the warm cabin felt like such a gift during this stressful time of the year.

^^ My extra fluffy and warm Sorel boots are a must for all snowy adventures

^^ So many fluffy puppies in the family!

I hope at the very least this post gave you a helpful dose of Christmas spirit and at the most I hope it helps you find what you want to make time for during this busy holiday season.

Tell me – what is your favorite family tradition??

xo Kelsey