Making Merry

We had a quiet but happy Christmas.  The tree was lovely, as Christmas trees always seem to be.  Santa paid us a visit and filled our stockings.

There was a Christmas feast.

We talked with family, laughed together, and counted our many blessings in this most difficult of years.  Merry Christmas, y’all!

Memory Tree

On Saturday evening, T and I got the year’s Christmas tree and set it in the  stand.  Yesterday, I got out the Christmas decorations and set to work with lights for the tree, stockings for the banister, and all the happy traditions that are the backdrop for our celebrations.

Over the years, I've come to regard the twinkly lights and festive decorations as one of the best parts of December, a welcome antidote to the fading daylight as the Winter solstice approaches.  The cheerful decoration and lights make our home welcoming and cozy.

Hanging ornaments on the tree is more than just a pleasing tradition, it’s a chance to think about some very happy memories.  When I hang one of my very first Christmas ornaments, one that hung on the trees I put up in my apartment in Nashville many years ago, I think about how much I loved living in that city.

There is a Santa ornament that reminds me of a boy who believed with all his heart, a joy and confidence that was magic to experience.

Each year, I give JT an ornament that he can one day take to his own home and tree.  This guitar was the ornament JT received the year he was three and was obsessed with a toy guitar.

For many years, JT received a moose for Christmas.  Over the years, there have been moose stuffed toys, books with a moose, a moose figurine in his stocking.  This moose Christmas ornament, part of JT’s collection, reminds me all those moose surprises over the years.

This tiny mercury glass bauble was a gift to myself many years ago, when I was first a Mama on my own.  Things were sometimes hard then and I worried that holidays would also be hard.  But that first Christmas on our own was joyful and lovely.  This ornament reminds me to believe in myself. 

I could go on; my mind swims with memories as I hang the ornaments on the tree.  It is in the stories  these ornaments tell that I find the magic of the season.  

That’s happy!

Christmas Tree

The tradition of a piney Christmas tree is one of the most lovely parts of the season.  I love the smell that envelops the house when the tree comes inside.  I chose this year's tree on Friday night and on Saturday morning we brought it inside.

T helped me to secure it in the stand and then she cut the mesh off so that the branches could unfurl.

Lights were added.

On Sunday evening, T put hooks on the ornaments and I hung them on the tree.  Each year, the ornaments bring on a flood of happy holiday memories.  When the happy task is complete, the tree is lovely.

Presents have been added and more will join them before Christmas morning. All of it is a sweet-smelling reminder of the many blessings we enjoy.  That’s happy!

Peaceful and Bright

The busiest months of the school year are May and December.  That both are followed by generous breaks is a very good thing.  Last week was as busy as expected and when each evening came I was good and tired.  JT and I decorated our Christmas tree last Sunday night.  That meant that each night of this busy week, I had twinkling lights and decorations to enjoy before I crawled into bed.

Quiet moments by the tree with a warm mug of tea are one of my favorite things about December and a welcome reminder of the blessings in my life.  That’s happy!