Oh Christmas Tree!
Our Christmas tree usually goes up on December 1st, but this year it went up on the 3rd. The December 1st thing sticks in my mind as a childhood memory because, since my birthday is December 17th, my family used to always ask me permission to put the tree up on the 1st, so it wasn’t like they were forgetting that my birthday was before Christmas. Of course, I would always say yes! I love having the Christmas tree up – it’s just so festive and bright. I turn the lights on when I am at home during the day and love looking at it, thinking about Christmas and family and turkey. It brightens up my day – especially when I’m at home, sick, like today.
Isn’t it pretty? There’s presents under it already! That’s the icing on the cake – there’s got to be a few presents under there for people to prod and shake and hold up to their ear. There’s some crackers on the tree from a couple years ago and normally we hang candy canes too, but this year we’re trying to be healthier and, since we always end up eating them all, we decided against it. Phill’s Homer Simpson stocking is hanging on the wall (the front has fallen forward so you can’t see Homer’s head) and mine (not Simpsons-related) is on the other side, behind the tree. Yes, Santa still visits us!
The star is a little wonky – I didn’t notice that until this photo.
To make room for the tree, Puddy’s scratching post and bit of carpet had to be moved to one side. Puddy didn’t seem to mind; in fact, she’s loving being able to wiggle-wiggle behind the tree then dart under it (over the presents!) to pounce on her carpet. Every time she does it, Phill and I think she’s going to knock all the presents around, but she never touches them. That’s skill.
She spends a lot of her time sitting on the carpet patch, I guess because it’s close to the door, so there’s a nice breeze and it’s within reaching distance of the scratching post. My cat is so lazy she doesn’t want to get up to use it!
Evidence:
She is rather amusing to watch in between coughing fits and blowing my nose. It’s a hot day today so I’m keeping her inside, since a black cat being outside in the blaring sun isn’t a good idea. The air conditioning isn’t on yet … but it’s a possibility if it gets any hotter. I try not to turn it on to conserve electricity, but it gets to a point where you are sweating on the couch and it seems ridiculous to have air con and not use it, don’t you agree?
Anyway, is your Christmas tree up yet? I’ve seen some blog posts with photos of Christmas trees and it’s so interesting to see how everyone decorates theirs differently and whether or not it’s real or fake. Mine is fake, as is the norm in Australia, but I would love to experience the smell of a fresh Christmas tree one year. I’ve heard it’s quite pretty.
What’s yours like?
Hi Katie – we probably knew this last year too, but my Birthday is also Dec 17. We put the tree up then, on my Birthday, when I was a kid! I have always lived where it was often cold and snowy so that is my memory of Christmas, and those smells of the tree. Sometimes we cut our own, and I have been involved selling Christmas trees a few times too – a great lot of festive fun. We often cut many boughs and make a fresh wreath.
Now our tree is in a box in the store room and will go up when one of us gets around to it. Our celebrating with family and little ones does not start until about Dec 23 so if we are up by then, all is well!
Your tree picture got me off on the right foot! Thanks. Puddy is cool – for a cat.
….Rabbits’ Guy´s last post ..DANG – THE GOOD STUFF’S GONE …..
Rabbits’ Guy – Ahh yes, we’re twins! I remember
I would love to have a white Christmas – I’ve only had a couple when I’ve been over in England visiting family. An Australian Christmas is HOT, HOT and more HOT. I’d love to see photos of your tree once it’s up!