New Christmas Traditions and Boy Decorating Hazards

FHE, this week, was decorating the house for Christmas. Always SO much fun! Levi and Joe worked outside on the lights, the younger boys and I decorated inside. (we haven't got a tree yet, and probably won't if we can't find a cheap one-since we won't be here on the actual Christmas Eve/Day.) We talked about Christmas, and I pulled a great little switcheroo stunt from an Idea my personal trainer came across. I just casually mentioned, that we need to write our lists to Santa, but "remember that we only get three gifts from Santa each, because that is what baby Jesus got from the Wise Men, one from each wise man." "Santa helps us to remember why we get gifts on Christmas. He helps remind us that we can give gifts to Christ, of our love and service, and that he gave gifts to each of us." Levi said "I thought we got more than that last year".....and then amazingly finished my job by saying:..... "oh but I bet I am thinking of the gifts from you and dad too." Yes, I say. Smiling hugely. What a smooth transition into a new tradition!! I love this idea because I feel it brings the Santa tradition a little more in line with what Christmas is and has him take on an even more symbolic role!! Just as it should be.

Now after our little lesson, I divided the boys up with different jobs. They were all very enthusiastic, and really helped out a lot. Getting a little Too much into it, as the following pictures suggest. This is what I found when we were all done!!!! It was the funniest/sweetest thing I have ever seen. Apparently Lucasfilms bought the right to decorate at our house for Christmas......

Apparently the wise men also needed storm trooper guards:
“Aren’t you a little short for a stormtrooper?”

The shepherds weren't left without protection either.... (but maybe they are there to protect the new little family from these guys)

At least these stormtroopers know how to show proper respect...
(this TOTALLY cracked me up seeing this..... it is really sweet though)

Indiana Jones can't help but climb the cross of the Chapel, I guess he is on look out for Santa...

We also have some of Darth Vader's empire lackeys on the lookout from the Christmas Tree advent Calendar:

Is he king of the hill?.... Or just inspecting the Christmas star for imperfections....."“These blast points — too accurate for sandpeople. Only imperial stormtroopers are so precise.”

It's nice to see those evil German Nazi Soldiers chatting with an Angel though.... Maybe they are changing their ways this Christmas. Although she does look a little surprised maybe it isn't a friendly chat afterall.....

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!!
Hope your holidays are giving you all that you need a little bit of laughter and Love!