Finally got off my Grinchy behind this week and got on the Christmas train. Thanks to our cruise it took me a long time to get into the Christmas spirit this year. Normally, we set everything up after Thanksgiving dinner or on Black Friday but this year I was frantically packing swimsuits instead of trimming the tree.
We decided to get a real tree this year and it was my first time on a Christmas tree lot since I was probably 15 years old. And the smell...oh my goodness, I thought I was going to burst into tears right there in the Home Depot parking lot. Reminded me of this quote I read the other day:
Christmas is a time when you get homesick – even when you’re home.
I found myself longing for the house I grew up in and being little and "helping" my dad carry our tree in. It made me glad that I have kids this year. I may not be able to quite recapture that thrill for myself but I can certainly make some rose-colored Christmas memories for my kids!
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| My first Christmas ornament from 1985 |
My parents came over to help us decorate the tree because I am kind of inept when it comes to Christmas trees and lights. I made this soup (even though it wasn't actually cold outside...) and we decorated the tree and listened to Christmas music and tried to keep the almost-mobile Baby 2 from eating a strand of lights and it was lovely.
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| Tribute to Aaron's Hawaiian upbringing. We have tons of flip-flops and surfboards on our tree. |
I've been listening to Angela's Christmas playlist and the "Peaceful Holidays" station on Pandora and now I've got the permanent warm fuzzies going.
I am officially ready for Christmas.
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| One of my favorites. My mom gave it to Stinky (maybe for his first Christmas? I should really write these things down...) |
That is totally the same First Christmas ornament my parents got me in 1985!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, those ornaments are precious! :)
ReplyDeletexo
Sealverland
ornaments with memories are the best. i have two passed down from my great grandmother and they're my favorite.
ReplyDeletehooray for real trees - and glad you're enjoying the christmas music!
We got a real tree this year too for the first time in years and I had a lot of the same nostalgic feelings. My mom always made us go to several lots to find the PERFECT tree (much to my dad's chagrin). I love the Hawaiian themed ornaments!
ReplyDeletei've never understood why people get fake trees, they're missing out on one of the BEST things about xmas. i bought myself a rosemary bush trimmed into the shape of a tree and i love the occasional whiff i get. also there is a wreath on a door i walk through often at "work" (i can't say that seriously) and i never miss the chance to stick my face in it and inhale. i love my jewish boyfriend but I LOVE CHRISTMAS MORE! :)
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