Anyone who knows me knows that I don't do big things. I do small things in a big way. I don't like too much hoopla, and am embarrassed by big displays of affection. So it should be no surprise that I scaled down my Christmas-ing to reflect the things I consider the most important.
We bought a new tree this year... Smaller than the one we had for what seems like centuries, and much simpler to put up. Maybe not smaller, but more narrow than the previous one. It came in 3 pieces, with the lights already attached. It also came with some flocked snow, pine cones and berries attached. I considered leaving it that way for this Christmas, but wisely decided to change things up a bit.
I decided to start out slowly and consider the changes I was about to make carefully, and take the time to really enjoy the small moments. I decided against putting up glass ornaments this year and to stick with things that wouldn't break, lest our new kitty, Snowflake, decide to go adventure seeking in the tree, as we have already seen her do more than a few times. She has taken several of the ornaments off, and we sent her scampering in another direction when caught in the act.
The final touches on the tree were started yesterday by my sons, and finished is morning by me. Years ago, when my sons were small, I crocheted dozens of snowflakes from cotton thread, and decided to put them on the tree this year. It was a labor of love, and I was hoping for a time to use them again. This is that time. The result is what you see below, and although the picture does not do it justice, it is worthy of a title.
I decided to name this rendition of our Christmas tree, "Dreaming of a White Christmas". As many of you know, I came from the Land of the Great White Winter, otherwise known as Chicago. Winters there are brutal, and make even the hardiest individual weary, and longing for a warmer area in which to live. But I would like to join with the frostiness of a real winter once again, as I believe it will help me to overcome the breathing issues that have plagued me for so long. It will also give my family a true appreciation of what it means to come together as a family and enjoy each other's company. This has been my Christmas wish for a great many years, and although my wish has gone unanswered, I am always hopeful that this will be my last Christmas in the south, and believe that this will be my year.
Where will we go? Somewhere beautiful. Somewhere that has snow in the winter, and is warm enough in the summer that I may have my little vegetable garden. Somewhere that we can stay to the end of our days. Somewhere that makes my family happy. In the meantime, I will enjoy this Christmas and watch the happiness on the faces of my family as they eat their traditional dinner tonight, watch sappy movies, go to Starry Nights just a few blocks from our house, and settle in for a long winter's nap, knowing in my heart that their glee will continue as they open their gifts tomorrow morning while eating apple turnovers for breakfast with hot cocoa and peppermint spoons melting sweet goodness into the cup.
I am thankful. Thankful that both Steve and I have jobs. Thankful that I have the best coworkers in the world and they make my job fun. Thankful that I was able to contribute to several good people who needed help this year. And I am thankful that I have many gifts for my family this year, whereas, in recent years, that was not the case. I am thankful for those of you who take the time to read my blog and enjoy it. Merry Christmas Eve, Everyone! May your days be filled with warmth and love.
Nazdrowie'
Paczki Puta
