holiday wrap up: festive photos and seasonal highlights

Just as quickly as the holiday season arrived...it ended. This is such a bittersweet time of year! On one hand, there is so much to be thankful for. The start of a new year is always a little bit exciting, after all. On the other hand, it is hard to say goodbye to all of the Christmas festivities. There are no more advent calendars to open each morning and there are no more Christmas songs on the radio. It leaves me wishing that I could redo the month of December and experience all of the magic one more time. I suppose that is the reason for all of the holiday wrap up posts that will be featured on the creation of beauty is art. over the next little while. This is truly the perfect opportunity to look back on all of those wonderful seasonal moments. Today, I will be sharing some festive photos and seasonal highlights. Here is hoping my holiday highlights remind you of your own.

Pre-Christmas Festivities and Holiday Lights. The first batch of photos shown were taken during the month of December. There were so many wonderful moments to capture! Like a fresh poinsettia brought home by my husband, lots of fun advent calendars, and cute seasonal accessories. There were also beautiful holiday lights. Each year, one neighborhood that is not too far away, decorates all of the houses in a spectacular fashion. It has become a tradition, where my husband drives us out to see the incredible light displays ahead of the holiday season. I love seeing the lights almost as much as I love being able to spend that time together. There was also peppermint hot chocolate involved, so that was a fun seasonal bonus. 

Christmas Eve Baking and Holiday Makeup. One holiday tradition that always takes place on Christmas Eve is baking with my mom. We make lots of cookies, rice krispies treats, make cupcakes, and decorate a gingerbread house. I tried to take lots of photos to remember how all of those delicious goodies turned out. I also tried to make my Christmas Eve makeup sparkly and festive. My mom and I also watched "Christmas With the Kranks" on Christmas Eve. It was a busy but wonderful day.

Christmas Day Decorations and Magical Moments. I always love Christmas decorations...but they look even more beautiful on Christmas Day. All of the lights and the sounds make the world seem almost perfect. Just for a little while. I took some pictures of the decorations in my home as well as my parents home. Why? I like to look back at all of the holiday photos throughout the year. It makes me remember what a special celebration there was.

I am missing the holiday magic, but at least there are photographs I can look back on. They never fail to make me smile!

How are you remembering the holiday season? Did you have any highlights?