I have never really put much thought into a Christmas tree until this year. Newlywed status means putting thought into a lot of things that might not have been considered before….. like bills. just kidding just kidding, but in all honesty things like a Christmas tree. You know, I guess a Christmas tree is really not top of mind when you are trying to get a house organized from a wedding and move. After a summer wedding, December got here really fast, and I realized we had a few ornaments we received as gifts and that was about the extent of our Christmas decor.

As a child, decorating for Christmas was always one of the most exciting times in my parent’s home. The big boxes came down from the attic, the trees were assembled, the carolers were placed strategically on the shelves, and Charlie Brown Christmas and the classic 90’s Mannheim Steamroller played in the background. It truly was/is the most wonderful time of the year. Although I don’t ever remember going to pick out our Christmas tree, sticking it on the roof of the car, and stringing the lights, my childhood Christmas memories were extra special.

This year, Patrick and I decided before Thanksgiving to head to the Christmas tree farm and pick out our own tree. This was such a fun experience, and I would certainly recommend if you want to start a new Christmas tradition in your home. After a little convincing we (maybe I :)) found the perfect tree, Patrick used his mighty lumberjack skills (while I observed), and we hauled it home together.

Now, our 2015 Christmas tree is not decked out with crazy flashing lights, no sparkly curly cues coming out of the top, no ribbon wrapped around the tree, and not many ornaments. Instead, just simple white lights that we manually had to string, a few ornaments that definitely don’t wrap around the tree, and a 7 dollar star that lights up the top of the tree and lots of pine needles on the floor.

Surprisingly, I am perfectly OK with that. This year’s tree is extra special to me not because of the way it looks, but because it took a little team work, it took some effort, and the process made it 100% worthwhile. Coming from a girl who is a little…ok alot, uncomfortable with change, I am looking forward to starting new Christmas traditions in our new home. The traditions we have started this year will be the things our children will look forward to, and the few 2 dollar ornaments I bought this year will probably be their favorites to put on the tree one day. Your Christmas decor doesn’t have to be extravagant and perfect. After all, our Savior was born in a stable and placed in a manger.

 

 

 

XO

Audrey