Christmas in August?

So I've noticed a lot of stores both on-line and brick and mortar having "Christmas in July" type sales. I recently had a great time picking up digital freebies (and I did end up putting in an order) at DesignerDigitals Christmas in July event. With all the early holiday buzz, I thought I'd finish up the last of my holiday layouts from 2008.

The first one is about last year's tree trimming and the fact that it was the first year that my 2 sons were really into decorating the tree and really helpful.
I used an 8.5 11 in. layout template from Jessica Sprague for Creating Keepsakes to layout and print my photos. I then matted the photo paper on white cardstock and added a strip of blue pattern paper from BasicGrey to balance the layout and add my journaling. Not groundbreaking, but quick and effective.

The second layout I finished up was one about making cookies with my sons.

Finishing up these layouts made me realize that the holidays in 2008 were really special because, it was the first year that my kids really "got it" - not just the presents, but the enjoying of family traditions. It was good to relive those memories and see that connection.