The Christmas Tree

For whatever reason, I'm not feeling very Christmasy, yes, I know, that Christmasy, isn't a real word. Whatever, I'm not in the holiday spirit. I'm not sure if it's because my daughter won't be with us this Christmas or that my mom and sister won't be with us here in NC either. I just can't get a handle on it. Normally, I am more excited than most children when it comes to Christmas. I love everything about it, the music, shopping for gifts, wrapping gifts, baking cookies,having parties, decorating the house, and decorating the tree. Not this year.

I had to make myself decorate the tree. I actually thought about not having a tree up at all. The thought of not having a tree actually made me feel very old and sad. I remember when I was little and I would hear my Grandparents say that they didn't really want a tree up at Christmas anymore, I thought that was the most awful thing in the world, not having a Christmas tree up for the holidays! Now, I kind of understand. It's not the same as when we are children. The real reason we celebrate Christmas, as Christians, has nothing to do with the Christmas tree. I thought about this for a few days and it dawned on me that it is okay to put the tree up. It's okay to celebrate the season as I always have. It's okay to decorate my pretty tree and enjoy it. Even though it really doesn't have anything to do with the birth of Christ, I'm going to enjoy all of the traditions that I have enjoyed since I was a child. I know in my heart the reason for the season, that's what matter the most.

So, in the end, my tree is up and it's lovely. We even decorated our front porch and our fence with brilliant bright lights! I love it! I'm beginning to get that little hint of excitement that I would get as a child, and it feels right.