it's beginning to smell a lot like christmas

it's funny how the minute thanksgiving ends, christmas seems to begin. 

in fact, christmas sometimes takes over stores and homes and the radio even before we have a chance to give thanks. 

though i am definitely all about giving thanksgiving it's time to shine, i have no problem joining in the christmas spirit once thanksgiving festivities are all said and done. and i have been eagerly awaiting the chance to go hunt for a tree!

 and so i bring you..

the first annual barrett family

 picking out the perfect tree is probably my favorite part of decorating for the holidays.

the best part has to be the smell! there is nothing like the smell of a fresh cut tree. 

i heard tell of a little family-owned christmas tree lot run right out of their front yard, so we went.

it was perfect. an adorable grandpa came and greeted us and told us about all his trees and about the good old days when they used to be just fifty cents each. 

if you are looking for a tree in provo, look at Baum's, 1650 N 1250 W! they have a surprising amount of variety and sizes, all at an extremely good price. who doesn't love supporting a local business?

this little tree caught my eye when we first arrived, but you have to explore all your options! 

 i was especially excited to be picking out a tree with this guy. it is so fun to begin to create and start our very own holiday traditions. 

i loved how several of the trees had adorable pinecones, they give the trees such a woodsy feel.

 wandering through rows of christmas trees brings me such joy! 

christmas is coming: a time to be with family, give gifts of love, and remember Christ. 

we kept going back to that first tree, and after plenty of exploring we decided it was the one!

this one was a close second. 

when it fit all jolly and snug right in the backseat of our car, we knew we had picked the right one.

i really think there is some inspiration involved in this. these trees are special. 

 we did it! 

and what fun it was. i can't wait to get decorating, but until we find some ornaments and lights, 

we will enjoy the wonderful smell. 

as i said before, i truly believe these trees are a beautiful symbol of Christ during this holiday season.

"The Christmas tree is an ancient custom that exalts the value of life, because the evergreen tree remains unchanged through the harshness of winter. When gifts are arranged under the tree, it because a symbol of the tree of life, a figure of Christ, God's greatest gift to all men."

link here

no matter what faith we belong to or what we believe in, the evergreen tree can be a symbol of hope: it continues to thrive despite winter's cold, and similarly, we can find joy in the journey even when faced with the hardest of trials. hopefully we all can find even more reason to be joyful

 during this time of the year.

i wish you all a very merry holiday season!