Oh Christmas Tree

The holidays are my favorite time of year because of all of the traditions involved; driving around in the car to find all of the decked out holiday lights, black Friday (because without it, I don't know how else I would get my online shopping done), the smell of the house from holiday baking and my personal favorite, the tree.

Tree huggers avert your eyes. While I am also a lover of trees, one time a year, I appreciate a single one even more, in all its fragrant glory in my living room (and I'm doing my part to support the local tree farming economy). :o) I love those first few days after bringing the tree in and the fresh pine scent permeating everywhere. Aaaahhhh. It smells like Christmas.

Jim and I have toyed with the idea of going "fake" but for our family, getting the Christmas tree is an event in itself. The kids start talking about it as soon as the last Thanksgiving plate has cleared. We usually go the first or second weekend in December because if we're going to spend the money, we're going to enjoy it as long as possible. Though, we have enoyed the tree a little too long before, and missed the Boy Scout pick up at the beginning of the year. Nothing more festive than a brown tree sitting in your backyard. :oP

Hunting for a tree is part of the fun. It's like house hunting, you'll know it when you see it and everything else just looks the same except "the one." Not too big but not too small, not too boring but not too funky; the one that's just right. This year, both girls gave the tree a hug once we found it. I'm not sure if it's because they were excited about the tree or thrilled that we were done because it was a little chilly outside.

In any event, we got it home and had our traditional hot chocolate before our little tree trimming party. The girls took turns putting up ornaments, and while it looked a little silly having everything hanging at the bottom, both of them stood back and marveled at the beautiful result. They were so proud. And it's warm fuzzy moments like that that make traditions something to look forward to. Though, sometimes, they seem like more trouble than they're worth, it's the memories you and your kids will keep that are priceless and so worth the extra effort.