Christmas is by far my favorite holiday. The music, the beautiful decorations, the lights, and the tree. Normally we go to our favorite farm stand to purchase our tree, but this year I wanted to cut one down as a family.
I've never cut down a tree before but I'd seen so many pictures over the years of happy families laughing and making wonderful memories. Well, it didn't exactly go down that way with the Rice's. Princess whined about the cold (and refused to wear a coat or hat because that's apparently not cool), and Hubby was upset I wouldn't let him bring a chainsaw. Thankfully Little Guy enjoyed himself stomping through the mud, and Sports Girl loves any outing so she was fairly content.
And then the hunt was on for the biggest, fattest Christmas tree we could find. They all thought I was being too picky when I passed over the first thirty trees they found, and deemed the one I selected too big. There's a corner in our long living room that's fairly empty eleven months out of the year. It was made for a Christmas tree. A wide one. And a wide one we found. I won't mention the muttering that went on when Hubby had to use the little hacksaw to cut it down, or the fact that he tweaked his back while dragging it out of the woods. He's in wicked good shape, but the tree. It's huge. And gorgeous!
Now that it's standing beautifully in our living room, the family is pleased with my insistance on our outing. Once again, Mom was right. Decorating the tree has always been one of my favorite times, reminiscing about our favorite ornaments.
I've never cut down a tree before but I'd seen so many pictures over the years of happy families laughing and making wonderful memories. Well, it didn't exactly go down that way with the Rice's. Princess whined about the cold (and refused to wear a coat or hat because that's apparently not cool), and Hubby was upset I wouldn't let him bring a chainsaw. Thankfully Little Guy enjoyed himself stomping through the mud, and Sports Girl loves any outing so she was fairly content.
And then the hunt was on for the biggest, fattest Christmas tree we could find. They all thought I was being too picky when I passed over the first thirty trees they found, and deemed the one I selected too big. There's a corner in our long living room that's fairly empty eleven months out of the year. It was made for a Christmas tree. A wide one. And a wide one we found. I won't mention the muttering that went on when Hubby had to use the little hacksaw to cut it down, or the fact that he tweaked his back while dragging it out of the woods. He's in wicked good shape, but the tree. It's huge. And gorgeous!
Now that it's standing beautifully in our living room, the family is pleased with my insistance on our outing. Once again, Mom was right. Decorating the tree has always been one of my favorite times, reminiscing about our favorite ornaments.
When Hubby and I got married in 1998 I had ornaments made for my bridesmaids. I gave the artist a picture of each (six!), the dress and the flowers and she replicated them all. My bridesmaids loved them. My BFF was six months pregnant at the time--I can't believe that little bump is now in college--and her ornament had a baby bump. Super cute. My mother-in-law surprised us by having a bride and groom made as well.
Sixteen years later the bride and groom still stand, er, hang, tall.
Sixteen years later the bride and groom still stand, er, hang, tall.
Of course we have the ever popular, "Baby's first Christmas" ornament. Three of them, actually. But this one is our first Baby's first. Look at Princess. All chubby cheek cuteness of her.
Hubby isn't one for nostalgia, but he was so proud when he gave me this ornament in 2005. It's the girls: Princess at 4 and Sports Girl at 1 year old. Too cute!
When we knew our family was complete with three chilren, I got us this adorable family ornament. It was our first Christmas as a family of five. 2006.
I like to buy the kids and hubby a unique ornament each year. Something that shows their hobbies, sports or other interests. And I need an ornament that speaks to me as well. So, yeah, I have a few fancy shoe ornaments hanging on our tree.
Sports Girl is quite crafty and was super proud of her egg ornament she made me a few years ago. The picture doesn't do it justice. So pretty and fragile.
And the most recent addition to our tree. Little Guy made this punched tin ornament this year in school. He had it wrapped and under the tree all week, but he was too excited and couldn't wait for me to open it on Christmas. So last night he handed it to me begging me to open it. LG said it belonged on the tree. I love that he is excited and proud to give it to me.
There are so many stories behind most oranaments and I'd love to see pictures and hear stories of yours. Whether it's because of their beauty or the memory, each is special. Please share your special moments with us!
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