The Perfect Tree(s)

When our kids were young, we used to make getting the Christmas tree a fun family outing. Then we discovered that Parker was allergic to evergreen trees, so we switched to artificial. Last year, the tree we've been using for several years broke. I'm sure it had nothing to do with Parker and his friend taking it down for me. I know they were very careful with it and were not in a hurry to get it done so they could have more room to bat a volleyball around the family room. Anyway, this year we needed to buy a new tree.

Hubby decided he liked skinny trees with lots of space between the branches. We already have a traditional tree with white lights and framed pics of the kids in the snow standing in front of the big window in the living room. So he thought we could get more creative with the downstairs family room tree, which always holds the special ornaments made or picked out by the kids. And the search was on.

You would think Lowes, Home Depot, Hobby Lobby, or Target would have what we were looking for. But no...the 27 trees in their stores differed from each other only in height and price and color of lights.

So we went online.

Trees N Trends and various other specialty tree sellers also disappointed. But we finally found something that looked promising at Michael's. The closest store was 50 miles away, but we were undaunted. We left the kids at home and took off Sunday afternoon, only to find that the store was out of that particular tree. And then, driving past a card store, we saw it...the PERFECT tree! But it was the display that they were showing their ornaments on. I asked nicely, but the lady wouldn't sell it to me.

So we had to make do. Hubby decided we'd go back to Lowes and get a 6 foot tree, a 4 foot tree, and a 2 foot tree and make an interesting grouping by our fireplace. When we saw the 2 foot tree, he realized it wouldn't even hold one of our family ornaments, so we just went with the 6 ft and 4 ft.

When we got home, the kids got to work. It's always their job to decorate the tree while I sit and supervise. They each picked a tree, fussed over which ornaments to hang where, and fought over who got to put the most important piece on (Dad's high school alma mater Bulldog ornament.) And they threw in a little dancing just for fun. It was very entertaining. You should see the video.

So now we are surrounded by trees inside and out. Come on, Christmas! We're ready for you now!