Decorating Our Christmas Tree Today Was A Rite Of Passage Of Sorts...

 

I ordered a new Christmas tree this year. That was kind of a big deal. You can read about that here. It was a big deal for a few reasons.

First, we absolutely needed a bigger tree. Years ago, we began with a simple 2-foot fresh tree. The next year, a 3-foot fresh tree. Both tabletop. 

Then a 4-foot tabletop tree. Still tabletop. Not fresh. Because of our furry kids. We used that same tree up until last year. 

Second, for the past couple of years, we had to pick and choose the ornaments because we had too many that we collected or made over the years. 

Each year, we make a personalized ornament for us and our kids. That's in addition to the unique ornaments that we have purchased or people have given to us.

During those years, Lisa and I both said, "We need a bigger Christmas tree."

The last and the one that tugs at my heartstrings a bit...

When Lisa and I put up our Christmas tree last year, we knew it was going to be the last year to celebrate Christmas in the home we rented since July of 2012. 

Last year was our 8th Christmas in our old home.

Our last year.

We didn't know what was going to happen after the Holidays or when or how. All we knew was that it was our last Christmas in that home. 

You can read about that here and here.

We toured a house in January. Made an offer. The sellers accepted. In February, we closed on the house and moved a few days later. 

The Christmas tree I ordered earlier this month is 6 1/2 feet tall. 

Not a tabletop. 

It's gorgeous.

We decorated it today. 

There was plenty of room for all of our ornaments. 

And, plenty of room for the ornaments we're making for us and our kids this year.

And, next year and the year after.

While decorating our tree, we both felt an immense amount of joy. 

New house. New home. New tree.

Also, while decorating our Christmas tree, we talked about how we felt when we decorated our Christmas tree last year. 

It's difficult to explain, but we had an easier time talking about it this year because...

Last year, we were kind of dangling from the proverbial chandelier. 

We didn't know when or where or how.

But, in less than 2 weeks after Christmas last year, we got the ball rolling.

It all happened quickly.

Here we are.

Today.