I know- Christmas is over. But I miss it already and this post makes me feel like it’s not totally gone!
Christmas Tree chopping is my favorite Christmas tradition. My whole family goes and we all have to agree on a tree. We go to Old Baker Farm and have for decades. Usually my father pushes my mom down on top of the freshly chopped tree and we all laugh hysterically- like it was the first time! We listen to an obnoxious “Disney Christmas” tape (I think we DID get the CD last year) on the way there and have the most wonderful time. I think my sister flew in from California to do it at least one year when she was living there and this year, my brother and his wife drove back early from the mountains of Georgia to be there. It’s an important tradition. And I intend to carry it on with my family forever.
From the left: sister Hagen, Father David, brother George (holding Clancey,) sis-in-law Brittany, Momma Deborah, daughter Pierce, sister Grace, me and daughter Adelaide, husband Peter
This picture is us. Daddy and George talking, Hagen and Grace eating/maybe listening, Ooba laughing, Brittany following along in our antics- all looking in different directions. It is cracking me up just looking at it!
Another hysterical, typical moment. Daddy primping, George laughing hysterically, Grace looking at someone like they’re an idiot, and Hagen doing some work. 
This is my strawberry blond 3-year-old. Strong-willed, determined, independent and spunky. She just KNOWS she can move that tree herself. 
Next comes the decorating. From the moment we put the tree up, Peter and I said it was our best tree ever. We like ’em fat! And I am quite adamant about them being real. The smell is so amazing. I would actually like to have a Christmas tree year round. A new one every month perhaps.
We play Christmas music (thank you Pandora,) I drink eggnog and we hang up all the ornaments. They’re a mixture of gifts, memories from trips and moments, and beginning to include our sweet girls’ crafts. We don’t have a “pretty” tree with an ornament theme and white lights and that’s how I like it! I’m a firm believer in colorful lights on the tree.
We had a string of sequins from Pierce’s birthday party and she decided we should use it as a garland. I actually like it!
Many years ago, 12 maybe? My mom decided to start giving each child a really nice silver ornament. I got snowflakes, Hagen got bells, George got a cross and Grace got a signature ornament that varies each year. The first year we were young and thought, “Ugh. These expensive things take away from what else we could get.” And now I think we all love them. I know I do. They’re so beautiful and reflect the lights on the tree so nicely. 
My sweet little Pierce sings, “Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, oh happy delighted.” I hope that’s what your Christmas tree made you! Happy and Delighted.
