Some may ask why would I want to write about our Christmas tree. Well, this is Neil and I's third Christmas as couple but this is our first Christmas with our very own tree. Needless to say we were very excited to put it up and enjoy it this Christmas season. It is a hand me down tree from my sister. All of the decorations were bought 75% off at an after Christmas sale last year. It also has a flaw that has been driving me crazy but not enough that I've done something about it. If you look closely you will see that there is at least a two foot gap between the last strand of lights and the second to last. I guess I didn't buy a long enough strand of lights. They are kind of unique lights, so I am afraid I will never be able to find another matching set (and yes they absolutely have to match!). We probably could have spread out the lights better but that is actually a funny story. Since this was our first tree, we have little experience with the actual stringing of the lights. Neil insisted there was no technique and just started wrapping the lights around the tree. Thus, the two foot gap. It gives it character though and I love it. I also have a beautiful angel to top the tree but it was too big for the tree. So I guess it will have to wait until we upgrade trees.
Next topic. Christmas cards. We have been receiving beautiful Christmas cards in the mail over the last few weeks. I love reading Christmas cards. I love reading everyone's year in review and seeing pictures. However, I have yet to send Christmas cards myself. I'm not sure at what point you should start sending Christmas cards. Do you send them at a certain age? Do you send them out when you are married? Do you send them out when you have kids? Do you send them out when your life is actually work reviewing? I'm just not sure. What do you think?
Last topic. Christmas traditions. This morning Neil and I had an interesting talk about Christmas traditions. It has been fun over the years to introduce Neil to my family's traditions and it has been fun to learn new ones with his family. I love hearing about holiday traditions. We would like to create our own but we haven't come up with any great ideas. Here is what our families do. On Christmas Eve my family has a "Jerusalem Dinner." We try to eat traditional foods that Christ would have eaten but over the years the fish has turned to chicken. We eat in candlelight as well. Then, the kids act out the nativity. We have all the props and everything. The evening ends with opening one present. Neil's family gathers at his grandmother's house for dinner.
On Christmas morning my family opens presents and then has a big breakfast with cinnamon rolls, eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, you get the idea. Then we lounge around and enjoy the day, ending with a delicious turkey dinner. Neil's family opens presents early in the morning. Each person also gets a box of pop tarts for breakfast. Then, we go over to grandma's for brunch and then we exchange gifts with the cousins and play games. What are your traditions?
I've always loved this time of year with the decorations, music and family gatherings. Merry Christmas!
2 comments:
I didn't know we had a big Christmas breakfast? I don't ever remember eating anything but cereal... oh well guess I was gone by then?
Eli's family only has one family tradition that I know of and its on Thanksgiving and they just make more pies then anyone can eat.
My first year on my own was when I bought the tree you have now, and I haven't put a tree up since... I just got tired of all the work. :) Your tree does look lovely, even with the gap in the lights.
I think you send Christmas cards once you are an adult and are established... so start sending cards now(JK I have never sent Christmas cards).
Love your tree...and love the gap in lights!! So funny! Our tree doesn't have any lights on the bottom branches (about 1 foot worth), because I ran out of lights and didn't want to add a whole other string, or restring it to make the lights reach the bottom...oh the drama! :) I'm with you on the Christmas cards...such a big question mark!? But I finally sent them this year...but with no letter or update!? :) That would have been just too much effort!
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