Christmas Tree

While a Christmas tree is not an unusual tradition, I have really put a lot of thought into how we can add a personal touch to ours. I love to have a pretty tree, but I also want a child friendly tree. Plus, I'd like for the tree to reflect us. So, I'm working every year to balance beauty and personality.



I expect that every year our tree will evolve with us. This year's tree includes things that represent our family, where we are in life, and what each of us enjoys.

• Every year I pick up a frame ornament with the year on it and put our Christmas card picture in it.
• ABC's, reading, and writing are hot topics at our house - hence the alphabet ornaments.
• Butterflies, a tiara, teddy bears and plenty of sparkles for Addie.
• Trains, planes, and automobiles for Jack.
• I even found a sailboat ornament for Anthony this year!
• I love Santas and snowmen. We have breakable ones on top, and soft stuffed ones on the bottom.
  
• Even the handmade school and church ornaments and the fishing bobber Santas they made at Bass Pro Shop look good on the tree - which makes the mom very happy!

I love the wonder and beauty of a Christmas tree. I hope to pass that on to my children. While we decorated the tree this year, Addie said, "This is going to be the best Christmas tree EVER!" I agree, every year.

As children have joined our family, I feel like the changes to our tree represent the changes in my life. Maybe I wouldn't have picked butterflies and trains for my tree before Addie and Jack joined us, but it's so much more beautiful with them!