Bronson and I continued my family tradition on Thanksgiving weekend by taking the kids to pick out a Christmas tree. In all of my 36 years of existence, I have yet to have an artificial tree. When Bronson and I got married, I informed him that this was a family tradition that was not negotiable. And after the first Christmas we spent together, he understood why. The aroma alone was enough to fill the whole house and your spirits with the season.
This year was extra special. It was the first time the triplets were out of their stroller to walk around and pick one out. We allowed them to fully participate on which tree that would go home with us (of course we narrowed it down to two for them). While there, we looked around at all the Christmas decor they had. One of them were giant pine cones. All three of them were enthralled with the size of the pine cones. It was quite humorous!
And just like my brothers and I did during our annual Christmas tree hunting trips, the babies ran around and hid from each other behind all the trees. They got a kick out of being in a "Christmas Tree Forest". Above is Elise and Preston hugging (apparently very happy to be there). Once we got home, Bronson set the tree up and I put lights on it. Decorating was set for the next night.
Another tradition that began the year Bronson and I got married was the ornament and pajama tradition. This was Jimmie's (my Stepmom) tradition for her family that she continued with my dad and us. I absolutely LOVE this tradition!!! Every year, all of us kids and grandkids receives an ornament that resembles our personality, as well as pajamas (all the girls' pjs matched and all the boys' pjs matched). It was always so exciting to find out what ornament was chosen for you that year. And every year when it's time to decorate the tree, you get to pull out the previous years' ornaments and reminisce that moment when you opened it. It's just the coolest thing. I always received angel ornaments and very elegant, beautiful ornaments. Bronson always received the weirdest, strangest, and sometimes the most ugliest looking things you have ever seen! In fact, it became an inside joke with all of us....eager to see what was chosen for him that year. We will definitely continue this tradition with our kids (and have already started). This year's ornament for the kids was.....you guessed it, Toy Story!
Bronson jumped in on the decorating this year. I usually do all the decorating while our favorite Christmas movies are playing and Bronson is "directing" on where all the ornaments should go. But now that the kids are old enough to "help" decorate, he had no other choice but to help them hang their own ornaments.
It was a delight watching him as he guided each one of them where to hang their treasure.
He was so patient as he explained what the ornament was, when they received it, and who gave it to them. He also made sure they understood why you have to select sturdy branches for the heavier ornaments, no so sturdy branches for the lighter ornaments. So cute!
Believe it or not, we had to tell them only a few times not to touch the tree the first night. After that, they have given no attention that the tree is even there. Well, except for the occasional tricycle running into it by Elise. She tells me every time, "Oops, sorry Momma. I not do that again!" And yet every other day, she does it. I'm thankful that no ornaments have been broken yet!!!
I'm so thankful that my parents and Bronson's parents instilled the true meaning of Christmas in us at an early age. While it's fun to decorate, watch Christmas movies/shows, and look at all the wonderful, magical lights and ornaments that's on display practically everywhere, it's not what truly makes us happy, or even more importantly....joyous. All the traditions may give us a sense of a family bond that seem to be disintegrating every where we look; but it doesn't makes us whole. It can't fill our hearts completely. It is Christ alone that makes us whole. As Christmas Day approaches, I challenge you to reflect on the One that is the reason for this wonderful season.
Another tradition that began the year Bronson and I got married was the ornament and pajama tradition. This was Jimmie's (my Stepmom) tradition for her family that she continued with my dad and us. I absolutely LOVE this tradition!!! Every year, all of us kids and grandkids receives an ornament that resembles our personality, as well as pajamas (all the girls' pjs matched and all the boys' pjs matched). It was always so exciting to find out what ornament was chosen for you that year. And every year when it's time to decorate the tree, you get to pull out the previous years' ornaments and reminisce that moment when you opened it. It's just the coolest thing. I always received angel ornaments and very elegant, beautiful ornaments. Bronson always received the weirdest, strangest, and sometimes the most ugliest looking things you have ever seen! In fact, it became an inside joke with all of us....eager to see what was chosen for him that year. We will definitely continue this tradition with our kids (and have already started). This year's ornament for the kids was.....you guessed it, Toy Story!
Bronson jumped in on the decorating this year. I usually do all the decorating while our favorite Christmas movies are playing and Bronson is "directing" on where all the ornaments should go. But now that the kids are old enough to "help" decorate, he had no other choice but to help them hang their own ornaments.
It was a delight watching him as he guided each one of them where to hang their treasure.
He was so patient as he explained what the ornament was, when they received it, and who gave it to them. He also made sure they understood why you have to select sturdy branches for the heavier ornaments, no so sturdy branches for the lighter ornaments. So cute!
Believe it or not, we had to tell them only a few times not to touch the tree the first night. After that, they have given no attention that the tree is even there. Well, except for the occasional tricycle running into it by Elise. She tells me every time, "Oops, sorry Momma. I not do that again!" And yet every other day, she does it. I'm thankful that no ornaments have been broken yet!!!
I'm so thankful that my parents and Bronson's parents instilled the true meaning of Christmas in us at an early age. While it's fun to decorate, watch Christmas movies/shows, and look at all the wonderful, magical lights and ornaments that's on display practically everywhere, it's not what truly makes us happy, or even more importantly....joyous. All the traditions may give us a sense of a family bond that seem to be disintegrating every where we look; but it doesn't makes us whole. It can't fill our hearts completely. It is Christ alone that makes us whole. As Christmas Day approaches, I challenge you to reflect on the One that is the reason for this wonderful season.
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