For the past 11 years we made a tradition of cutting down our own Christmas tree. We pack a warm beverage and snacks, and wander the farm while deliberating the candidates for our annual tree. This year, for the first time, I was tempted to pick one up at the nearby tree lot. But I was told "Don't be the one to break the tradition. Let them decide when they're ready to break it."
So this past Sunday, as cold and rainy as it was, we bundled up and drove to the Christmas tree farm. I made hot cocoa and packed along my patience-- the boys have been particularly obnoxious lately.
For the first time ever, we unanimously agreed on a single tree. It had to be shorter than me with branches strong enough to hold lots of ornaments.
Linus' least favorite part is the sawing.
The tree was small enough to fit in our trunk, so no need to tie it onto the roof. I cranked up my favorite holiday music, the "Chipmunks Christmas" album and tried to be merry on the way home.
We were irritated to discover we had 2 strings of lights that were partially functional. After 30 minutes and 10 f* bombs, we started trimming the tree.
Despite the happy pictures, I was a grumpy bitch for most of the day. Young children, including mine, can be incredibly irritating and are always a lot of work. Most of the time we go out and do things with the boys because it brings us joy. But sometimes, mainly for the sake of tradition, we do things because we're contributing to the kids' compilation of experiences that will be remembered as their childhood. We're "Making memories." Mattias reminds me. This weekend was no exception.
Keeping it real, as always :) I understand completely about the irritating children! I hope you are making good memories for yourself as well. Often the hard parts are softened when we look back and we are glad we did those things that we didn't really feel like doing!
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