The Christmas Tree

My little girl is in love with our Christmas tree. Tony and I set it up one afternoon during nap time. When Sister Bear woke up and came downstairs it was all lit up and she was in awe. She keeps me reminded to plug it in so the lights dance for her and she cannot keep her hands from touching the ornaments that cover the tree. (I'm just glad I went ahead and bought the plastic ornaments last year instead of those glass balls!) She loves to play with the little nativity set I received for my high school graduation from Granny Meg, our library's storytime reader. The wise men and angels are her babies and she carries them quite carefully. Christmas is becoming more exciting each year as my children are growing older and are beginning to anticipate and understand the celebration. Big Brother actually remembered that he put the star up last year and was sure to be in the room for the tree decorating finale - he again put the star up on the tree. The Little One is going to be close to walking by the time Christmas day arrives. He isn't there yet, but he is learning so much every day; I don't think it will be long.

It is always a busy season. We are in the middle of "crunch week" for the children's Christmas production at church. Three Wise Men and a Baby. The kids are doing great. I am up to my eyeballs in costumes for the Wise Men and King Herod, but I think it will all get done in time! When the play is over we have Christmas parties for the kids at church and a little time to get ready for the excitment of visiting with family over the holiday. I am looking forward to the lull after Christmas day and the opportunity to spend some time with Tony and the kids just playing. It has been a while since I have taken a day to live in their world.

My goal this season is to create some family memories that they just might hold on to for life. One of my favorite things to do during Christmas is to sleep in the living room with the tree all lit up. The atmosphere of the room lit by the tree and the family snuggling up together on the floor with blankets and pillows all around speaks of peace and comfort and closeness to me. Maybe we'll play some games or put together puzzles or just drink hot chocolate and read stories out loud. Whatever we do, I plan on having a good time and enjoying the awe of Sister Bear as we have fun around our Christmas tree.