Christmas Ornaments on the Cheap: The Family Album Tree

A couple of years ago, I fell in love.

And I don't mean with my husband.  Although, trust me.  I love that man to pieces, but that's long been established. 

Two years ago, while on maternity leave with our little girl, sandwiched in between sporadic feedings and random naps (for exhausted mommy and for teeny tiny Olivia), I fell in love with DIY newborn photography.  

That is until that newborn got older, and then the love for newborn photography grew to baby photography and toddler photography (and I'm sure it'll keep growing).  

Before I knew it, I had a ton of pictures and not enough wall space.  I guess that's a good problem really.  

So last weekend, as we were trying to decorate our home as cheaply as possible for Christmas, I had the idea to put all of those photos to good use.  I combed through our online photo albums and chose all of our favorites to print on parchment cardstock from our computer to place on our tree.  

No frills.  No fancy craft skills.  Just a simple, easy print 'em out and hang 'em up.  

It started out as an idea for tree filler since we'd hit our limit on the Christmas budget, but I think I've found a new favorite tradition.

As we sipped our hot chocolate and danced around the living room to the Michael Buble Christmas album, we placed every little photo carefully on our tree and took a minute to reminisce.  Birthday parties, beach vacations, wedding highlights, first moments together as a family, every special time we cherish is on display.

Every time I walk by it, I find myself lost in it and remembering.  And I'm starting to realize this "tree filler" project is something much more.  

It's an entire family album right in the heart of our home.  Am I getting too lovey dovey squishy sentimental on you?  I can't help myself sometimes.

I can't wait to see what photo ornaments we'll have next Christmas.  But I don't want to think about how much bigger our "newborn" will have grown.

If you haven't been following along on the holiday festivities around here this week, be sure to check out yesterday's French Industrial Christmas Vignette and our Rustic Christmas Entryway.

I'll be featuring all kinds of incredible holiday posts from several talented bloggers tomorrow for Your Turn To Shine link party, and I'll be posting my huge Holiday Home Tour on Friday!  It's taking lots of restraint not to hit the "publish" button on that post right now.  

Blessings,

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