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December 23, 2015
Christmas

Frosted Window Panes

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Tradition. I hold on tight to that word for the better and for the worst. I was built to adore traditions – to look ahead and know what the next year has in store. It is comfort for this planner heart and builds the joy of anticipation. If I could, I would make everything tradition – and then end up burnt out each year trying to squeeze it all in ๐Ÿ˜‰ haha. So we just make some of the things tradition and I cherish them as the holidays fly by.

One of them is the building ofย the Mayberry Gingerbread Houses. We gather early in the morning with piles of candy, bowls of icing, and hot glue guns (because sometimes you need to bring in the reinforcements ๐Ÿ˜‰ ) We pick a new style each year and Bruce’s parents spend a whole day (sometimes snowed in) making all the gingerbread walls/structural pieces before we all come together to decorate. We use this great Gingerbread Architect book to get all the correct dimensions! (See previous years here – 2012 & 2013) Here is hoping next year we make Hobbit Holes because it would just be so adorable!

As I have gotten more into photography – read: gotten a camera that is not my phone and learned how to use it – I’ve been loving capturing these memories in more meaningful ways. Takingย pictures on the journey and in the moment. I continue pushing myself to grow in photography because I want to always have these memories of tradition back to look on and enjoy.

Merry Christmas sweet friends. Soak up your traditions and time with your loved ones. Slow down and sit back. It is Christmas Eve Eve and you don’t need to do it all. I’ve been reminding myself of that all season. Be with family, laugh with your neighbors, bake with your kids, and make memories. They don’t all need to be of the extravagant kind –ย they can be the simple things like staring at a lit up Christmas tree and reading books all snuggled up. Because sometimes (even often) our hearts can get all tangled in the hustle & bustle of Christmas when our hearts just need more of the silent nights. Christmas is a day to rejoice that our Savior came for us – to give usย the best gifts of all time, Salvation, Forgiveness, the Holy Spirit in us, Hope for the future, and love unconditional. Remember that.

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Do you have any traditions like this? What are some of your favorite things to do with family? How do you soak up the season without getting caught up in all the Christmas things?

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Comments

  1. Rachel says

    December 23, 2015 at 12:22 pm

    That turned out adorable!!!

    Reply
    • Oak & Oats says

      December 24, 2015 at 11:17 am

      Thanks so much! We love them!

      Reply
  2. Heather says

    December 23, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    How is it lit up!? Too cute!

    Reply
    • Oak & Oats says

      December 29, 2015 at 2:53 pm

      We put a light inside and plug it in! HAHA!

      Reply
  3. Yara Miora says

    December 26, 2015 at 4:01 pm

    This is so cute! ๐Ÿ™‚ Merriest Christmas dear! x

    Reply
  4. Stacia says

    December 28, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    This tradition is so fun! My mom always ended up bringing out the hot glue gun when we made gingerbread houses, too. It was just faster and allowed us to get to the fun parts of decorating instead of getting frustrated.

    Reply
    • Oak & Oats says

      December 29, 2015 at 2:51 pm

      For sure! It keeps them way more stable!

      Reply
  5. amy says

    December 29, 2015 at 10:40 am

    uhhhh that is one of the best gingerbread houses i’ve ever seen!

    Reply
    • Oak & Oats says

      December 29, 2015 at 2:50 pm

      hahaha! Thanks!

      Reply
  6. Julie Hood says

    December 29, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    That is some SERIOUS gingerbread house making! ๐Ÿ˜‰ Looks like such a fun tradition. And your hair is getting SOOO long! I love it!

    Reply
    • Oak & Oats says

      December 29, 2015 at 2:52 pm

      Thanks! I jsut have been too lazy to get it cut, but I am liking it long!

      Reply

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Hello Friend! I’m Elizabeth, a Colorado photographer, writer, & blogger. Most importantly, I am a Christ follower, wife, mama, sister, daughter, and friend!

Welcome to Oak + Oats! Here we look for the remarkable in the every day. We love photographing our daily moments, making memories, and sharing our favorite places here in this space.

Our happiest days are spent together – many of those with a camera in hand! My free time (ie: Nap Time) is spent behind my computer screen sharing our tips and stories with you! I’m glad you’re here!

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