For me, nothing says Christmas like purchasing your tree. You can make your list, you can shop on black Friday and cyber Monday, but for me, it doesn’t actually feel like Christmas. The tree- the tree is the real deal.
A few Sundays ago we finally went out and made a day of our tree purchase. We had lunch at our favorite burger place, walked a few blocks and peeked our heads in a few local toy stores. Peter and I exchanged our lists for each other, and River ever so confidently told us how she wanted toys for Christmas. Just toys. Pretty specific right?
We eventually made our way to a tree stand. As I walked up I told Peter how it just “smelled like Christmas!” He made this “well of course it does” face at me, and I did my usual song and dance of laughing and an attempt at an explanation. I know things like that sound silly and simple minded, but at that moment that was the only way to explain my excitement and my happiness. It simply smelled like Christmas.
I know for sure Christmas in our house is different this year. Being more finacially stable is a change for one. As individuals we know how it is to be broke and as a family we know how it is to be tight for cash. That comes with the freelancing package, and for a while we were okay with it. This Christmas, I am overwhelmingly thankful for stability. That is the best gift my husband could give to us this year. I am so thankful for his hard work, the long nights, the trips, and the love. He does everything with love, it’s insane to watch and oh so humbling.
What also makes Christmas a bit different is River’s age. She’s almost three, and even though she doesn’t understand fully about what Santa does exactly, she knows who he is. She knows that a Christmas tree means Christmas is almost here and she knows that pretty soon there will be lots of gifts under the tree. When she’s a little older, Peter and I want to explain more in depth about what Christmas actually means for us and for our family. We want her to know that not everyone celebrates, and that’s okay. Also, not everyone can afford to celebrate the way we do, and that’s not okay. I want her to be eager to help those who can’t have the Christmas’ she is able to have.
Now, I can officially say it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
I loved this post! I agree, it never feels like Christmas without a tree. My son is two so I try to keep it to the whole "want, wear, need, read" policy especially with how tight the funds are. I love what you wrote about wanting to share with your daughter what Christmas means to you and your family when she's older. I plan on doing the same with my son. I think it's important to make them aware. The photos are beautiful! Hope you and your family are enjoying your tree!
xo
Rachel
loving how real and poignant you kept this Christmas post…well, every post, actually 😉 in a blogosphere where you have to be tongue-out crazy Miley twerk excited about everything, your writing feels refreshing …so thanks.
Thank You Rachel!!
Enjoy your Christmas
xo
LaTonya
Amanda, that's so refreshing to hear. Thank you so much!
xo