A Day with a Tree

We dedicated our Sunday to Christmas decorating. But first, we needed a tree. I did some research the day before on where might be the best place to buy a Christmas tree from, based on price and availability. Last year we went to cut down our own tree. It was a lot of fun, but the tree itself wasn't really worth the cost. Instead we went to a garden center near our house that has a ridiculous amount of trees for a ridiculously cheap price tag.

We decided to go with a short needle tree this year. Every year in the past we got a long needle tree. I've heard they shed easier and honestly, it's a little difficult to get the ornaments on each branch. It didn't take us long to find the perfect tree. It's about 6.5' tall and it was so full that Travis didn't have to stuff cut branches in any gaps this time. HA!

On a side note, the maple in our front yard has started to change colors. It seems that the leaves all fall out at the same time somewhere between Christmas and the New Year. It's the only tree in our yard that actually changes color before losing it's leaves. All the other trees' leaves turn brown then fall off. It's just not as fun.

After we got Aiden laid down for his nap, we began decorating the house. Travis put lights on the house, while I did garland and lights on the fence by our driveway. I find it a little difficult to get into the Christmas spirit down here in Texas with the balmy temperatures. It helps a little that it cooled down this weekend. I wore a jacket while we picked out our tree, but it was too warm for the jacket in the sun while I put up the garland.


I can't help but see the irony in the Christmas garland next to the green grass and palm trees...

We have this tiny niche between the new and old cabinets that we have been trying to decide what to do with. I think we're going to try to find some sort of a recycling bin that might fit in here that won't be an absolute eye sore. Until then, it's Aiden's play niche.

We invited Ariel and Robert over to help decorate the Christmas tree. I was really hoping Aiden would get to be a part of that, but we didn't have time before his bedtime. Instead, Travis and I sat with him while "he" hung his first Christmas ornament from last year. The best part is that it's a sheep - his favorite animal of all time. He didn't stop baa-ing until we got him to bed.

Ariel, Travis and Robert played softball before coming over to decorate. I fed them spaghetti with garlic bread and wine. While we decorated the tree, we ate Rice Krispie treats and chocolate hazelnut Pirouettes. Of course I also forced everyone to have a mug of homemade hot chocolate. Needless to say, we weren't the most lively bunch come 10 o'clock.

I love the Christmas season!