Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. We have one tradition
that we've stayed with for years. Every year we go and pick out our Christmas tree together as a family
the day after Thanksgiving. Whether it's raining or snowing we're there when they open so we can
get our pick of trees. You see, we have a 14 foot cathedral ceiling so we always try to get the
tallest one we can find that's shaped the nicest. We all go our separate ways amongst the field of trees. When one of us finds one we think will work we mark it in some way and then go to find the
others. We always have a beautiful tree and it makes it even more special to me because I know that
tree was hand picked by all of us! After the task of choosing the
tree is done, we cut it down, pay for
it, then we go out and have a family breakfast. Then comes the fun of decorating it. It usually takes
us about 5 or 6 hours but it looks great when we're done.
Unfortunately, this year our tradition changed. We have decided to buy an artificial tree for several reasons. *sigh* It seems like every year when we go to pick out a real tree, the selection gets smaller and smaller from the year before. We look for the big trees (at least 9 or 10 ft.) and to find one that is not only tall, but has a nice shape to it and is full, is getting harder and harder to find. I get tired of picking pine needles out of the carpet as well. We decided that if we can find an artificial one that is about 10 or 12 feet tall , we won't have to worry about finding a real one every year. We will already have it and all we have to do is set it up. As much as my family and I loved our yearly tradition of finding just the right tree, we're going to be better off in the long run with less hassles.
We found one FINALLY! We went from place to place looking for an artificial tree as tall as what we wanted. I never realized that it would be this difficult. Whew!!! It was as hard, if not harder, than finding a real one. Most of the stores don't have them taller than 9 ft. We finally found what we were looking for at a local Garden Shop. We had plans of buying a 12 ft., but they were soooooo huge and very expensive. We settled for a 10 ft. Arctic Pine instead. It's gorgeous too! As soon as we get it decorated, I'll take a picture of it and put it on here. I'm so proud of it. :-) Even though it took us forever to find what we wanted, we have it now, and we won't have to do that again for many years to come.
For a week or so after we get the tree decorated, we are busy decorating the rest of the house...inside and out... it takes us that long to get everything up. Needless to say Christmas spirit is not lacking in our house. *smile*
Everyone have a safe and happy Holiday Season!