Signs of Christmas

It is December 21, 4 days before Christmas and there are some definite signs around our house that Christmas is getting closer! Yes, the goodies I've baked and given away (or eaten), presents I've bought and wrapped and our mailbox full of Christmas cards and letters are good indicators that Christmas will soon be here. But I can also tell that Christmas is coming when:

1) L's favorite songs to sing are Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Joy to the World (which she sings: And Heaven and Mangers sing!)

2) L is 'wrapping' everything in sight using mainly her blankets but occasionally already used wrapping paper...

See?

3) L continues to play with her nativity set and talk about Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and Bethlehem! However, she mostly plays with the animals! She especially likes donkey and his brother 'other donkey.' Talk to her about the camel and she'll say that he is a donkey too!

Here she is giving the animals a break in the shade...

and letting them feast on a chocolate chip cookie?!?!

4) Another anniversary (6 years!) has come and gone (but not without these beautiful roses from D! - thank you!).

5) We are busy picking out our Christmas present to each other...new carpet!

Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Moe...

Apparently, L doesn't need new carpet. She'll just use the samples! What signs of Christmas are there at your house?