MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Exactly 20 days until Christmas! I can't believe its even December let alone getting so close to Christmas! I just finally finished decorating yesterday, but I started before Thanksgiving! I guess I'm moving a little slower these days.

While Jim and I were home for Thanksgiving, my mom was so nice as to help me make a tree skirt for our Christmas tree! I may have bought the material and planned to make the tree skirt LAST year...but lets just say I never got to it...must have been the wedding planning! :) ha ha

How do you make a tree skirt you ask? Well, I asked the same thing! Luckily, my mom has made a few in her days and she was a pro!

Step 1: With your fabric folded in half, cut out the shape for your skirt...tracing a previous tree skirt really helps here :) I added a ruffle on the bottom (later) so you can trace right to the edge of the old skirt there, but at the top, you will want to measure a little out so you have extra to make a hem.

Step 2: Let your mom hem the top of the skirt...this is kinda tricky so she is less likely to mess it up :) And of course, pin it first before you start sewing :) 

Step 3: Measure the circumference of your skirt and multiple it by 3. Cut strips (as wide as you would like your ruffle to be) to total 3 times the circumference. 

Step 4: Sew all of your ruffle pieces together. 

Step 5: Pin the hem on one side of the ruffle pieces and sew it. 

Step 6: Sew a basting (not sure if that's how you spell it...) stitch on the other side of the ruffle strip.

Step 7: "Ruffle" the ruffle by pulling the basting stitch to tighten it and cause the ripple effect. 

Step 8: Pin the ruffle to the edge of the main skirt piece and sew it on. 

Step 9: Find a good Christmas tree to fit your tree skirt! And make your husband cut it down :) 

and put it on your car to haul it home...

But first make him pose for a fun picture together! 

Once you get home, pretend that you are cutting it off and taking it off the car :) 

But then let your husband do it for real... 

And bribe him to carry it inside the house too...

And then you have a beautiful tree, all ready to decorate and add your tree skirt! 

Perfect! :) 

To add the finishing touches on Christmas decorating, we even hung our stockings...

Set out a cute little snowman candle thing...

Added garland to the stairs...

And set out our Advent Candle on the table. All ready to burn each night until Christmas is here! 

You may even want to let your cute puppy help you :) How can you not love that face!?!? 

And when you are all done, take a nap on the couch! 

What are you doing to get ready/decorate for Christmas?