Family Photos: Our Christmas Tree

Last week, my mom came to you, friends, with a plea: To help us settle our grand Christmas Tree Debate this year. Why were we having such a hard time making a decision? I mean, we’ve already got a perfectly good tree in the basement; it’s the same tree we’ve decorated in our living room for the last decade. We should be set, right?

Wrong, apparently, because we were dragging our feet with putting up said tree. What was our problem? Then, my mom came home one night a couple weeks ago with a little tree in hand. She had grand plans to put it on her dresser in her bedroom, to give the room a little merry and bright holiday spirit. And, naturally, it worked. She transformed her room into a North Pole oasis that rivaled Santa’s village. After a long day, it was so nice and cozy to dim the lights and just bask in the glow of the tree! So we started thinking — well, not to be a credit-grabber, but I was the one who first raised the question: What if we got another tree like this instead of dragging the huge one up from the basement? Why haven’t we ever thought of this before? I mean, were we so afraid of any sort of change that we’d prefer to do something that brought us more stress than pure joy?

Maybe this was fate somehow stepping in to save the day? You know, at that moment when we least expected it. Maybe this small, short tree was our answer?

We decorated the tree over the weekend — well, my mom decorated the tree while I watched and worked on some essay pitches — and decided the beautiful tree’s home would be on our kitchen table…AKA, my office!!! It’s the perfect spot, really. All day I can look at the tree, filled with family ornaments that tell our story over the years, and it makes me smile when I think of all the history on that 3-foot tree. It really is amazing, isn’t it?

And look…even Harry and Stella wanted to get in on the action! Both cats seem to like the tree and I’ve even caught them sitting under it a couple times.

As my mom said on Facebook…

Well, we did it! After much discussion, we have simplified…one small tree in my room and one small tree in the kitchen. Got out all our favorite ornaments, and of course, and my childhood manger scene, which has morphed into the 21st Century with three Mary figures, a Joseph, a Santa and a snowman! There is room at the Inn for all!

Indeed there is, Ms. Bear. Indeed there is!

Have you decorated your home for the holidays yet, friends? Do you look forward to this time of year? It sure does bring to mind so many memories from holidays past, doesn’t it? I’d love to see your house all decked out, so go ahead and tweet a pic — be sure to tag @melissablake and #SoAboutWhatISaid too! xoxo