While getting a tree out of the Costco semi isn't quite as nostalgic as chopping it down ourselves, as we did for so many years, it's quick and a lot less expensive. So for now, it's tradition. ;)
I made myself put the camera down during decorating, so I could actually be present, and not just from the other side of the lens. It was really refreshing to just join my kids in decorating, rather than just snap pictures. I'm trying to do more of that these days. Here's the finished product!
More tradition....the kids each picked out a new ornament to add to their collections! It's always interesting to see what they pick. ;)
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| Norah's |
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| Caleb's |
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| Shane's |
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| Meredith's |
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| View from the kitchen... |
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| More tradition...after we decorate the tree, we drink hot chocolate and watch The Very First Noel. |
Last year we also started the tradition of watching our town's Electric Parade. I do not like being out in the cold, but it's worth it. The kids have so much fun, the floats are impressive, and it's always special to be a part of something that is a big deal to our community!
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| Big 2 staying warm before it starts. |
Some of the floats...
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| Hard to see, but there is smoke coming out of the tree and the blue is "water" putting it out. This was one of the STC Fire Dept's floats, with a reminded to keep out trees watered so as to prevent a fire hazard! The FD never disappoints with their floats! |
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| And of course, the fire truck all decked out! |
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| This guy was amazing...he moved his head and tail, and smoke came out of his mouth! |
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| Our church's float! |
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| Warming up after the parade with some hot chocolate from our favorite local coffee shop, Arcedium! |
This really is the most wonderful time of the year! I'm so excited to spend these next few weeks preparing and anticipating and celebrating God's wonderful gift to us in His Son.
