Santa

Christmas might be over for according to the calendar, but with my larger family, we have made a tradition to get together a week after Christmas on another holiday, New Year's Day.  We are gathering at my house for this celebration, so today is my last chance to get the preparations done.  There is shopping to do, some cleaning, baking, and moving some furniture around.  I am sure I'll think of a million more things to do too, but for now, that's my to do list.  😁

Nenya looks so pretty sitting in front of the Christmas tree.  😊

Narya of course was so precious and perfect at doing exactly what I wanted.

I couldn't resist having Vilya try on Tarcil's Santa costume.  Vilya isn't used to costumes though, so he wouldn't wear the hat.  😁

Mini Christmas Tree

I didn't post last week like I intended to.  I rarely do that.  Truth is, I have been struggling a bit this Christmas with getting into the "Christmas spirit".  This year hit me hard with the fact that my husband and I don't really have any traditions left which has been making it difficult for me to get excited.  My heart has been aching as I reflect on how much I deeply miss the people and traditions from our past.  But each year brings the chance to start new traditions to look forward to.  So this year, I am looking forward to having no plans or agendas other than eating yummy food with my amazing husband while we watch our pets enjoy their presents.  😊

I will never grow tired of getting pictures of the hamsters in the Christmas tree.  Nenya had trouble staying where I put her because she's fat and was slowly falling down through the branches.  😂

Narya could have been the angel on top of the tree because she just looks so perfectly content and she happily sat where I placed her.

Vilya wasn't necessarily trying to move around, but like Nenya, he's a bit too fat for the branches, so I had trouble find a good spot for him.  😁

Wreath

I really enjoyed making this wreath!  I was going to buy one, but I didn't like any of the ones I found, so I bought ribbon and these sparkly decorations to add to this simple willow branch wreath.  I am so happy with how it turned out!

Nenya looks so pretty surrounded by all the gold glitter!

Narya happily ate her pecan, but then she wanted more when that was gone.  How to I say no to that cute face??!

Vilya quickly pouched his treat so he could check out the rest of the area.

Gold Presents

These are actually empty boxes that I wrapped to use for my Christmas mini sessions on Saturday.  They look SO pretty though, so I had to use them for more pictures!  

Nenya was the only hamster that actually seemed interested in the boxes.  Also, I couldn't believe that the wrapping paper is SO shiny that you can see her reflection so clearly in it!

Narya is such a natural at holding cute positions long enough for me to get the picture.  What a great model!  

I actually think Vilya looks a bit grumpy.  Maybe he's finally hit the grumpy old man stage of his life.  Hahaha!  I guess only time will tell.