Well, Thanksgiving weekend has come and gone, and it feels like we’re in full-on Christmas mode. I would love to say that our house is totally decorated, the shopping is done, and we’re all sipping hot cocoa by the fire while we listen to carols each evening. But, the girls are at an age where they want to “help” at every turn, so progress is slower. I finally got the nativity set up in the foyer only to discover it has been tampered with already. Late last night I found George lounging with the oxen by the manger. Meanwhile, Joseph and the lambs had journeyed to a far off and much more dangerous land… the den.
I did wise up and get the girls a little tree of their own this year, which they have enjoyed decking out in tinsel and multi-colored everything. The 3rd Grader is convinced it needs another few strands of lights. But, since the tree was already pre-lit before she added her lights, I feel like we’re inching toward fire-hazard territory with the mini tree.
Speaking of trees… The Spouse and I got an artificial tree ten years ago in 2005, the one year skinny trees were particularly trendy, and we have used it every season since. At the time we lived in a condo with vaulted ceilings, so it stands at 9 feet tall. The tree served us well for a decade. But, since we now put it in a room with standard ceilings {meaning it touches the ceiling and leaves no room for a topper}, I thought 2015 might be a good year to move on from the tall skinny tree. So, I suggested we get a real one this year at a tree farm.
Oh, the resistance. You would have thought I suggested we grow our own.
But, after some convincing and some serious discussion with friends, he decided a real tree might be manageable. So, we ventured to a tree farm last Friday. I naively thought the girls {and Rosie} would think this whole experience was magical. Instead, Rosie barked incessantly at the other patrons and opted to do her business in the middle of the farm, which instantly kills the festive aroma of fresh evergreens. Meanwhile, the girls were primarily interested in the concessions, as usual: in this case, hot chocolate.
Being our rookie season with real trees and gauging the patience of our “helpers,” we went with a pre-cut one, had it wrapped up, and {extremely cautiously} loaded it up and brought it home.
It’s crooked and a bit small for the room, but it smells divine. The Spouse waters it religiously and cares for it like it’s a baby. I’m so proud of his willingness to give this a whirl. Now, if we can only keep the Preschooler and the dog from bringing it down before Christmas. Gentleness and obedience are areas of weakness for both of them.
I’m just not sure the Preschooler will ever embrace the “less is more” mantra. Certainly, not when it comes to decorating.
Her birthday gift to me over the weekend was also illustrative of her “go big or go home” mentality. While at the Fantasy of Trees last week, all three girls went shopping at the “Secret Santa” booth where kids can go in with a high school age helper and shop for their parents or relatives with a pre-determined budget. The Preschooler took a good bit of time on her $3-$5 shopping trip and was beyond excited to give me the gift she selected for my birthday.
Generally speaking, I prefer subtle accessories. But, this season I will be sporting a ring the size of my hand.
It’s a little bit itchy and feels something like wearing a wreath on your finger, but it certainly makes a statement. She’s so proud of herself.
And, therefore, I will happily wear it… around the house.
Leave a Reply