December 1, 2008
For the past six years we have cut down our Christmas tree. We have gone to a little tree farm in our county. It has been owned by an elderly man. We have so enjoyed this tradition. Tonight was our tree night. We planned to leave as soon as the kiddies all got home. We loaded up the suburban with the family, hooked on the trailer and headed out on our way. Today was different than most years. There is no snow. It wasn't even very cold. As we drove up the dirt lane to the tree farm we were greeted by---a closed gate. What? We love to go and traipse the mountain to find the right tree and then watch the big boy cut it and drag it out. The nice elderly man then measures the tree and we give him a little extra and tell him we are so glad that he is still there. Today we were met by a locked gate! We were so dissapointed. We hope that our elderly friend is still alright, maybe just too tired to man the tree farm. Now what to do? It is difficult to change tradition. But we needed a tree-a fresh tree!
We decide to head to our little town where a new Mom and Pop shop has opened. They have a little tree lot. We go out to the tiny lot and almost instantly Mr. Man finds(#2) the perfect tree. It wasn't quite the same as traipsing the mountain but the result was the same. We found our perfect real tree!
When we arrived home we were greeted with "Can we decorate the tree?" " Can we get the boxes out?" If you understand me at all you will know that the chaos that ensues makes me a little nuts. So, I wasn't about to let the kids add to my own personal chaos. We have this strange hall/closet that we use for Christmas storage. It is in our furnace/laundry room. It is a very awkward space. I am really the only one that can get the boxes out and have them remain in any semblance of order. Normally, I would have already had the boxes out and ready--at least the boxes with the lights. However, I have been a bit under the weather. So, the tree will have to be naked until tomorrow. How will we survive? As Mr. Sweetness set the tree up he found a surprise-a bird's nest!
Another tradition that we have is a fun box from my Mom. We were lucky to get to bring it home with us after Thanksgiving. I decided to let the kids open this box. It has become such a tradition that we almost always know what is going to be in the box. Angels for the girls and Santa ornaments for the boys. White fudge covered oreos--with one box for Dad only! For many years Grandma included mugs for each child plus hot chocolate and money for a movie. This year Grandma shook it up a bit! She included trail mix for Dad, a Christmas book(always a favorite of mine), chocolate kisses and some darling Christmas towels. Grandma's box has become a favorite tradition for our children. When they are grown and look at their collection of angels and santas they will have a special warm feeling remembering all the years that their Grandma sent them their special Christmas box! 
Often the most simple things become tradition. The way that the lights are hung. The tree topper, getting a tree, the apron that my Mom gave me. 
Tradition. I am grateful for it.
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