To tree or not to tree.

Good news.


Our Christmas tree is this year is in far better shape than last years.

And even though how we finally got it to stand up is not much fancier, the good news is...it's standing.  On it's own.  


We didn't even have to tie the tree up to the wall, like last year.


Oh no, my friends.  This year, the tree is nice and sturdy...in a five gallon bucket full of rocks from the garden.

What's that?  You're classy and have a Christmas tree stand?  You rockstar, you.  Unfortunately, we don't. And without the means to purchase one, we had to get creative!


But let's take a step back here.  

First, follow me my friends, to the Christmas tree farm.

Our journey began with a neon pink snowsuit, donated to us by our wonderful neighbors.  

And a green knitted cap from a dear friend/reader.  It was cold, after all.

(Side-note: I think my husband is super handsome.  End of side-note.)


After about a fifteen minute car ride, we arrived at our destination, eager to pick the finest specimen!  I chose this beast:

But my enthusiasm for "the least of these" was not shared by many.  We searched high, we searched low.  We searched big, we searched small.  Ultimately, we settled on an eight-foot Norweigan Spruce monster.  Go big or go home!!!!

Oh, and Georgia was very enthusiastic about picking a tree.  As you can tell.

Oh, and someone please remind me why I didn't wear my snow boots?  Oh yes, that's right.  For no valid reason whatsoever.

And after choosing that wonderful tree that looked like it belonged in a Dr. Seuss book, we eagerly hurried home to decorate it.  Yes, those are homemade snowflakes.  What, what.


This was the first Christmas we have faced the difficult question when one has children:  'to tree' or 'not to tree'.


Let's look at this a little deeper:
Pros: House smells good.  House feels like Christmas.  Have something to put decorations on.  Have something to put presents under.  Festive.  Pretty.  Sparkly. Makes me not as spooked when I come downstairs in the middle of the night to use the bathroom because there it's like a having a giant nightlight in the living room.
Cons: Ornaments are a big, FAT, GIANT temptation to wondering little wee ones.  Broken glass.  Tipping over.  Pine needles may look like a finger food.  Big mess and/or disaster more likely than not.


Hmm.


Apparently, the sweet scent of pine lingering in the rafters was worth the risk of a giant disaster.  Because The Elliott Homestead officially has been 'tree'd.


And the best part?

After decorating the tree, we got to share warm stew with our friends and snuggle their baby, Alexandra.  Who made me realize that my child is a giant and no longer a baby.  Which made me cry a thousand tears.  Which made me beg my husband for another....


...'to baby' or not 'to baby'....


...that is the question...