the creche

Our Christmas tree is something I adore, but our nativity set is even better. I purchased it almost 10 years ago while in Jerusalem, but this is the first year I've used it. Why didn't I take out before now? I don't know. Maybe I thought being married and having a house was a prerequisite. (Who knew it was going to take 9 years-I would have rethought my plan.) Either way, it has made its home on the perfect mantle in our living room and sets the tone for this wonderful season.

I don't want to say much about the nativity set because it speaks for itself. It's not painted or adorned with elaborate jewels, it is simple and naturally beautiful, much like the story of Christ's birth. I love the feeling of peace I feel when I look at it and it helps me remember what happened in Bethlehem long ago.

I am so grateful for this time of year and for all of the blessings I have received. I am excited to be with my family and husband on this lovely Christmas Day.

'The happiest heart that ever beat

Was in some quiet breast

That found the common daylight sweet,

And left to Heaven the rest.'

-John V. Cheney

o tannenbaum

We brought home our first Christmas tree on Friday night and we love it. A trip to Ikea and Target for some lights and decorations make our tree, and living room, complete. It has been years since I've had a Christmas tree. I never thought it was worth buying one when I was single because I always went home for the holidays. I'd always think about getting one of those mini ones, but I never did. A few lights around my window sufficed.

Being married, we decided we needed a tree so Kent and I jumped in Floyd (the faithful Ford wagon) and headed down to the local tree lot (parking lot, no tree farms in Long Beach to my knowledge) about .5 miles from our home. We originally wanted a Blue Spruce or Noble fir, but they were pricey so we went with the ever-lovely evergreen, Douglas fir. Quick story: When I was little, my mom and dad used to get a Douglas fir for our family room and I loved it. We would deck it out with our homemade decorations and multi-colored lights while listening to Andy Williams and Bing Crosby on our 8-Track player. This tree was the "kid-friendly" tree. One year, my mom decided to get a Noble fir and I almost cried. I didn't like the look of it and apparently, I didn't like change either. I guess I got used to it and amazingly, now prefer the Noble over the Douglas. It's funny that something as simple as a different tree could throw me off. Christmas traditions die hard.

Anyway, I love our tree. It's perfect. The smell alone makes me happy and puts me in a festive mood. In fact, I turned the lights on at breakfast today because it makes me feel so good. We won't be at our home on Christmas day, but the season wouldn't be complete without our first family Christmas tree.