Our Christmas Tree

Putting up the tree is a lot of work, but when it is dressed and lit. . . there is nothing like it.  The kids were so excited to go tree shopping.  Earlier in the afternoon- we contemplated getting the tree before the kids got home but it was a good idea we didn't do that.  When we mentioned this to the kids- they were totally offended!  We all piled in the car and headed to the luxury tree farm at Home Depot.  Yep.  We went to Home Depot because after three years of buying very expensive trees at the kids' school tree lot- we were done.

Once at the 'farm' the kids let loose and were playing tag and diving into piles of trees.  They had so much fun and I was happy that we waited for them to get the tree.  After agreeing on a beautiful Noble Fir, we strapped it to the top of the car and went home to decorate!  Emily was very worried about having a tree on top of our car.  She asked every few seconds, "It still on there?"

By the time we got home, brought the tree in from outside, got it in the stand, and put on the lights (all activities not involving the kids)- it was late.  I had envisioned hot cocoa for the kids and a wonderfully jolly atmosphere- but after Emily thought it would be a great idea to pour a pitcher of water down the hardwood hallway (while Matthew egged her on), after hearing about four glass ornaments break in three minutes, after one 2 year old accidentally launched herself into the tree, and after two tired parents deemed themselves out of patience- our tree trimming was condensed to quick fifteen minutes.  But boy did it look pretty.  A pretty fifteen minute miracle.

After the kids had brushed their teeth and were getting ready for bed- I walked into the front room to find Matthew and Emily sitting together in front of the tree.  It was so beautiful.  So much wonder, so much belief, so much love, so much to look forward to this Christmas season.  Our house is finally ready for Christmas and Damien and I are ready for bed!