Before Christmas

Our tradition is to put up the tree the day after Thanksgiving and this year was no different.  I also like to read the book, "Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect" to the kids before we set up our tree. It is a really sweet story about an evergreen tree.  My favorite quote from the book,

For in looking at its drooping, nibbled branches, they saw the protecting arm of their father or the comforting lap of a mother. and some, like the wise Queen, say the love of Christ expressed on earth.

So if you walk among evergreens today, you will find, along with rabbits, birds, and other happy living things, many trees like Small Pine. You will see a drooping limb, which gives cover, a gap offering a warm resting place, or branches ragged form feeding hungry animals.

For, as have many of us, the trees have learned that living for the sake of others makes us most beautiful in the eyes of God.

I love it. Seriously go and read it, it's a great book.

Although, it seems that the kids don't love the book as much as I do.  They all whined and complained that they had to sit and listen to the book before we got to the tree.  It may or may not have been my best mom moment when I informed them that they were going to sit and listen to the book (and get something out of it..Ha!)...

Things are never as perfect as what I plan for in my head. :) (Please tell me I'm not the only one.)

It was a fun evening none the less.

I just love tradition.  I really do.  It just gives you such a sense of home.  It is the stuff that family memories are built on, even if they are corny (and I could tell you some corny ones we had when I was a kid, but I look back now and treasure those times).  The kids will look back someday and say, "remember when mom always made us read that book..."

The kids get so excited about each ornament they put on, and even now they are bringing up memories from when they received each one.

Ah, I just love it!

Tis the season.