Tree Day 2012

There she is!  This year's big bundle of Christmas sparkle!  Because last year's Tree Day was kind of chaotic and stressful, I made sure to plan the sucker out better this year.  I knew exactly when the base tree stand was going to be open, which meant we'd be able to get a less expensive tree.

And I already had the Tree Day treat ready to go, which meant we could easily do Tree Day the day after a very busy Thanksgiving.  I love it when a good plan comes together!  Ideally, I love to get the tree up on Black Friday, which is what my family always did instead of hitting the stores.

So we bundled up the Monkeys and headed to base.  Sam was more excited about the pine cones than anything else! We were a little disappointed with the trees... none of our options here in Germany these past two years have thrilled us.  I think it's because I'm so spoiled by NY tree farms.  Thanks a lot New York.

When we finally picked out THE ONE, we strapped that sucker to the top of the car (without locking ourselves out of the car... a story that will live in Tree Day infamy) and headed home for hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls!  The girls were beside themselves with glee!

So we listened to music, decked the halls, dreamed by the fire, and let the girls put a few ornaments up before bed.  I use the term "put ornaments up" loosely.  They are three and two years old, after all.  

Once the girls were asleep J and I finished up the decorating while watching The Polar Express, which he's never seen all the way through!  I tear up every time when the REAL Santa comes out for the elves and kids to see... but I'm noticing an obnoxious trend of me crying at pretty much every movie I ever watch.  So apparently I'm just a tear-prone-pansy when it comes to movies.

But it was so nice to reminisce together as we hung up our favorite ornaments.  We still need one from Germany.  I'll be on the prowl at the Christmas Markets.  I also need to put "make/buy a tree skirt" on my to-do list someday.  And some better decorations for the fireplace wouldn't hurt!

Everything is just so sparkly!  We even hung a strand of colored lights up along our windows!  Lily asks every morning if she can "see her tree lights" :o)

There is nothing like this time of year.  I love it so much!  Let the sugar and family traditions and cozy nights by the twinkly lights begin!