We love celebrating the Christmas season for as long as possible. For three years in a row, we’ve been cutting down our tree the day after Thanksgiving and beginning to decorate the house as soon as it’s frosty outside. And despite some resistance, I start listening to Christmas music pretty much on November 1. I want to keep the holidays around for as long as possible. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. 🙂

I love the traditions, the memories created, the tastes, the smells. Everything! For the past couple of years, we’ve gotten our tree at a local, family-owned tree farm in Round Hill, VA. The farm is situated on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains has incredible views. This year, we trekked out with both girls, ready to take on thousands of trees. But after searching for about an hour for that perfect tree, Zoe, Naomi and I snuck away to the barn for hot apple cider and snacks while Joe finished the tree business. I have to say, he did a good job choosing one!

I have such mixed feelings about tree decorating. Half of me wants to surprise my kids and have the tree up and decorated one morning, so, that as they come downstairs, they are surprised by the whole thing. The other half of me wants to make it a family affair…the search at the farm, working together to center it in the stand, stringing the lights, ornament hanging, popcorn & cranberry garland making, etc. We’ve done a mix the past two years… When we came home, we set the tree up and Joe strung it with lights after the girls went to bed. We waited until the next day to decorate, though, so the girls could be a part.

This year, International Delight provided us with just what we needed for an extra cozy tree trimming. We warmed up a pot of their new hot chocolate and put out a plate of warm ginger cookies, and enjoyed the look on our little Zoe’s face as I brought the tray of goodies into the living room. We don’t usually allow her to eat or drink much in the living room, so this was truly a treat. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to prepare our home for the holidays, together as a family! If you head over to InternationalDelight.com, you can share your ID holiday memories & enter for a chance to win holiday brunch for friends & family hosted by International Delight!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.