Oh Christmas Tree!

Have you ever noticed how some traditions happen almost accidentally and others take a little extra effort?  On Saturday we purchased our Christmas tree.  We go every year and it is one of my favorite holiday traditions.  We always go at night.  We tromp through the whole lot examining trees and debating the pros and cons of each.  When we pick the perfect specimen we tie it too the roof of our car and head to the Starbucks drive-through for cocoa.  We drink cocoa, listen to Christmas music, and look for Christmas lights.  Finally we bring the tree home and decorate it while eating a supper of chips and dip.

I insist the tree must be decorated in a specific order every year. Jess kindly obliges. First the lights go on followed by the garland. Next we add the balls and ornaments and complete the project by placing the star on top. Finally we turn off the living room lights and admire our glowing tree. Every year we swear it is the best tree we have ever decorated.

Every year I can expect a few other less planned traditions. For example, every year Jess fights to get the tree into the stand and swears we are buying a new stand. Yet every year we use the same old stand. This year in a bought of frustration Jess brought in the big guns. When the stand wouldn't attach to the tree he pulled out his power drill and bored holes in the trunk. He screwed the stand into the holes and looked absolutely triumphant when the project was completed. He had beaten the tree into submission!

I am sure Jess finds the fight with the tree stand infuriating but to me it is part of the tree decorating tradition. I consider it similar to watching my parents debate the proper placement of lights on their tree each year. It just wouldn't be Christmas without witnessing the struggle and I will be sad when our old tree stand has to go.