A few of my favorite things (about decorating for Christmas)...

...the wonder in the eyes of our 20-month-old when he sees the tree lit up every day.  He was too small to pay much attention last year, but he has been mesmerized this year.  We thought we had hung all of the breakable ornaments out of his reach, but so far, we are down three for the season (two of which were just shiny ball ornaments, but one was his sister's "First Christmas" ornament...must purchase super glue to repair).  
...the enthusiasm the eleven-year-old shares for ANYTHING involving family time.  He isn't always extremely helpful but he does love to spend time with all of us, even his bossy sister.  Speaking of which...
...the detail-oriented, but quick decorating schemes of the fourteen-year-old.   She was tired and ready to go to bed, but put her teenage sulkiness aside and came through in the end, helping us to deck the halls.
...the time spent pulling out each treasured piece of our Nativity set.  Not only does it remind us of our family members who gave us this thoughtful gift over several seasons, but more importantly, it reminds of us our Savior and His humble birth.
...the telling of the stories behind each ornament as they are placed on the tree.
...the laughter brought about by the new "A Christmas Story" ornaments.
...the bargain wall decals I bought at the end of the season last year.  This is my first time using them, and I love how they spruce up a plain wall and make it festive.  They are especially nice since we are renting this house and cannot make permanent changes throughout the year....here are some pics...

This one is above the stove on the plain white backsplash...

This one is above the window in the family room...

This one is on the wall in the dining room...

This one is on the back door...

...the hubby's willingness to pull all the decor out of the attic without (too much) grumbling.  He exhibited very little "Scrooginess" this year.  :)
...the Elvis Christmas CD playing in the background.  It is a must when decorating, and the informal karaoke performances make it even better.

I was just thinking about the time we spend planning our children's birthday celebrations, and isn't it appropriate we share this special time preparing for the day when we celebrate Jesus' birthday?  I am always careful to keep our decorations simple because I don't want to shift the focus from the real reason for our celebration.  However, I don't want to minimize the gift of Christmas either.  I want to make a big deal out of the fact that God sent His son for me, my family, and you.  The greatest gift of all...