The only solution, I decided, was for Dan and I to create our own traditions. This weekend, that’s exactly what we did.
To kick off the weekend, we walked to a few stores around town to pick up an additional decoration or two. If we add just a little to our collection every year, we figure all our decorations will be more meaningful and special to us.
This tree and these stars will always be the decorations we bought for our first married Christmas. Not to mention our first decorations that call for candles. I suddenly have a thing for candles, apparently. Which is funny, because I used to think they were pointless. Now I’m drawn to them.
In fact, while the tree was an easy choice, we spent a good 45 minutes in Pier 1 debating between all the tea light decorations before settling on the stars. Seriously. After all, these decorations wouldn’t have the authentic “Dan & Julie” touch if we didn’t take our time making a decision!
With our new holiday décor at hand, it was time to get to work transforming our apartment to a festive space. While we decorated, we enjoyed some Rockapella Christmas music, Christmas cookies and hot chocolate spiked with creme de menthe and Irish Cream liquor.
We thought our tree would be pretty sparsely decorated, so I made a bunch of paper globes to fill it out. But as we pulled out box after box of ornaments, it became clear that the paper ornaments probably weren’t necessary. I’ll be turning those into gift tags and garlands soon. 
Our little shiny bulb ornaments also didn’t fit on the tree, but added a splash of color and sparkle to our wine rack.
And while the countdown blocks I made don’t exactly match our bookshelves (should’ve thought ahead on that one), they still look great!
A few strings of lights, a pair of stockings, and a handful of other decorations later, we had a festive holiday wonderland. And I’m feeling much more in the holiday spirit!
What are some of your holiday traditions (no matter what holiday you celebrate)?
I love hot chocolate and listening to Christmas music. There is also an amazing cake I always try to get my mom to make and I only succeed about 1/3 of the time. Fingers crossed that this is my lucky year!
Ooo, what kind of cake?
It’s an awesome cake with these cookie-wafer-like layers and a tasty cream in-between. It’s popular in Russia, and called Napoleon Cake. There are a few different variations, but I love my mom’s. If she makes it, I’ll make sure to write about it!
I’ve heard of that. Sounds yum!
Billy and I are making our own traditions this year as well! Even though our families are in Dallas, I think it’s important to start our own traditions to continue when we have kids of our own. We have a great collection of ornaments and we kicked off December watching our favorite Christmas shows from our childhood. I’m sure many more will happen between now and the new year.
Those blocks are too freaking cute. I run back to visit my parents for a few days right around Christmas; for the past 5-6 years, we have taken on some sort of Culinary Feat of Strength. One year was turducken from scratch. Last year, a homemade yule log. This year, I think a Christmas-tree-surprise cake.
I listen to rockapella too!
For me it wouldn’t be Christmas without reading “the book” (which is a story my mom got when she was 3 or 4) for the 16 days before Christmas
I love your home made ornaments soooo cute!
And giving gifts to the elderly at the nursing home Christmas morning
Hoooooray Rockapella!
I love this idea! My husband and I spend Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas Day with his. There is so much running around that we don’t often get any time to enjoy the holiday ourselves in our own home! For the last two years, we decided to stay home for New Year’s – no fancy parties or staying out all night. Instead, we go to the movies and make a late dinner at home while ringing in the new year. I love it!
Beautiful, festive tree! I love your pics, everything looks so cozy. 18 more sleeps, awww.
We have started a few traditions as married folks as well, something special about “your family.”
Love it. I don’t know how I’d manage to spend Christmas without my fam but am so glad you guys are creating your own traditions!
Hah one of my roommates has a “sleeps till Christmas” countdown on our house whiteboard and I had no idea what it was all about.
Very cute decorations:) We always make cut out sugar cookies and cut down our own Christmas tree.
beautiful pics! i love all your decorations!!… I ALWAYS love the family walks during the holiday season— !