I realized that I hadn't put up photos of our tree yet.  We love to put up a Christmas tree and decorate it.  I don't do anything fancy or expensive.  We usually go to a tree farm to cut our tree.  This year, we ended up supporting a local church who had a tree lot because our time was limited that weekend.  The boys picked it out.  I think they did a good job. 

Once we get home, we cut off the bottom of the trunk and set it up right away in its' stand with water so it doesn't sap over and dry out too early. 

Once we get it all set, we cut it out of the little net bag, stand back and admire.  It is such an exciting and joyous time! 

And, there she is.  Didn't they pick a nice one?  It will open up more in a couple days, especially with the weight of the ornaments. 

Next comes the decorating.  We have a little party while we decorate.  I always put out nummy food for nibbling on the table and they can have special drinks, like eggnog.   Then, we put on some Christmas music and the fun begins.  We eat and decorate and sing.......I don't use fancy ornaments or anything.  I have ones I have received as gifts through the years and ones the boys have made.  Each boy also has his own special box that contains all the ornaments they have received over the years.  They each receive an ornament (or two) each year on their stocking.  It usually has something to do with what they like that year, activities they are enjoying or, perhaps it is from a vacation spot we visited that year.  It is so fun for them to go back each year and see all the ornaments they have and remember the year they got them. 

Here is our finished tree. 

I think the boys did  a great job decorating.  We all do it together and I don't ever move any ornaments.  I can remember when they were much smaller, the tree was bottom heavy.  Now, they are getting so much taller and it is pretty evenly decorated.  We love to sit in the living room with the tree during this season.  We have the lights on all hours we are awake and home.  It is my favorite decoration, by far. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!