Today was a very exciting day in our house, we put up the Christmas tree! Most of you would think that November 6th is super early for this, but, and it's a big BUT, there are 2 reasons for this.
1. We are pregnant, due to have baby number 3 on the 1.1.12. What does this have to do with the Christmas tree? Because we live remote, company policy, and my peace of mind, requires leaving town 4 weeks before the due date. This will mean that we head out at the end of November. This means that Sam will miss out on every bit of the excitement of getting ready for Christmas, as he will stay here at home and work up until Christmas Eve. It's so nice to start early, it makes him an important part of the process, so the kids Christmas memories always include their dad.
2. We alternate each Christmas with my family and Sam's. That means that we are never in own house with our own Christmas things for half of December. Our children never wake up in their own beds on Christmas morning to find presents from Santa under their own tree. So, to give ourselves a chance at enjoying Christmas in our own family way, we start a bit early (very early this year). Last year, Santa actually visited the Loop 2 weeks early after stopping by the town Christmas party. The kids woke the following day to discover Santa had left their large, main present for them, because he wouldn't have had enough room in his sleigh on christmas eve. This was the best! We had so much fun and the kids had a few days to enjoy the gifts before we headed off for the Christmas holidays! It was so nice to have this private family time, without the audience watching, getting involved and judging present items and amounts.
So, today was a fun day, lots of precious family time, memory making, Christmas decorations, and carols sung loudly. Looking forward to the next 7 weeks of preparing for Christmas, otherwise known as 'Advent', crafts, nativity stories, Christmas day planning, cooking, singing carols and most importantly ... cherishing our moments together as a family.
