O Christmas Tree

Andrew and I have had 5 chances to get a Christmas tree. Our statistics are improving because we are now 1 for 5. We got our first tree ever this year! We aren't anti-Christmas by any means, but we have never purchased a tree until now.

We both have different ideas about what we want in a tree. I told Andrew we could get a real tree (for him). Our plans changed due to the appendectomy. Andrew can't lift much for 2 weeks, so getting a real tree would be tricky. We didn't want to wait 2 weeks to get a tree, so Andrew told me to buy a fake one which is what I wanted all along.

I bought a $39, 6.5 ft tall tree from Walmart. No, it's not our forever tree. It works for now though. 

We put it in our front room, so you can see it through our window when you drive by. What a difference a tree makes! I love turning the lights on at night. I feel much more festive than usual. We even bought stockings and lights for our stair banister. To top it all off, we have a Christmas wreath on our door and a Christmas centerpiece on our table. It's like a whole new house this season!

There are some presents under the tree, but not many. James is enthralled by them and I'm lucky they haven't been destroyed (yet). Andrew is too good at guessing what is in a wrapped present. I learned this the hard way. Now, I usually wait to give Andrew his gifts until the day of. They are not on display under the tree. I'm dying to show Andrew what I got him this year because I think he will be pleased.  It helps that he is one of the easiest people to shop for.

I love the #lighttheworld challenge and we have been doing that again this year. It really helps change your mindset and make you remember what is most important during this time of year. One night, we gave out neighbor gifts. We finally met some neighbors that we should have introduced ourselves to ages ago. I love #lighttheworld because it suggests things to do each day and makes me step out of my comfort zone.

Here is what our neighbors and friends got this year:

I took this picture after we had already delivered some. Oops.

May your WRAPPING be MERRY and BRIGHT

Getting the mail at this time of year is my favorite. Almost daily we have a new Christmas card from family or friends. It's enjoyable to look at the pictures and to display them on our fridge. For the first time ever, we sent out a Christmas card. I now have an adorable baby to show off. I believe I ordered these cards at the beginning of November because I could hardly wait to see them.

What a wonderful time of year this is and there is still plenty more to come!