Ok... I have finally gotten a little Christmas spirit. The Tree is finally up and decorated. And some cookies baked. But that's as far as I've gotten. (I left my camera at the cabin and these photos were taking with my crummy phone camera)It continues to amaze me at how 'Traditions" continue to change. No one wants to participate in the decorating any more. We use to make it a family affair. Going to the woods to cut the tree, miles of hiking and precise selection. Then hauling it out, taking it home, getting it in the stand, and decorating. In the back ground you would hear Christmas music and smell Chili cooking. Everyone would be laughing and actually having a good time.
Then came the time where we bought the tree, fussed about setting it up, but still had the family time with music and chili. Now our oldest is grown with a family of her own, youngest is driving and off doing her own thing, foster son grown, in the military and living in Ky, and hubby at the cabin watching the ballgame.
So---- I started my own tradition tonight. I got out the fake pre-lit tree. Set it up and decorated. I was amazed as I hung each of the nearly 100 ornaments how each one of them brought back some kind of memory. The Red Bird on top, the ornaments with photos, the one we got on our honeymoon in Cancun, ones our children made in preschool and elementary school, ones we've bought for the grandchildren, ones my Mother always had on her tree, and my silly ropes of pearls. I actually enjoyed decorating the tree by myself. No one fussed about where I put what, or how long it was taking. Now they will all come in and say ..... Wow... that looks good! And everyone will be happy that it is all done.
Maybe I'll get more spirit tomorrow after we attend the Magnificent Festival Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at All Saints' Chapel on the campus of Univeristy of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. And have dinner at Al Capone's Hideout! (I hope that none of the waiters drop any Bananas Foster!)
What should I order?
8 comments:
Ann the tree looks great. I can't wait to see it in person. I'm envious of you getting to go to the service in Sewanee. I was just talking to a friend about that beautiful chapel only days ago. My only time inside the chapel at Sewanee was when I was still in high school. Enjoy the service and I know you'll enjoy dinner up that way. Is that at Pearls?
My favorite Christmas trees are those decorated with memories. My Mom still has ornaments I made when I was younger hanging on her tree each year. Granted, they were one's done with pins and beads ~ real works of art (not being sarcastic). I wish I could find kits now to make them. Each one took me days to make, but they're so beautiful still today.
I guess I'm lucky, my kids still participate it putting our tree up and decorating it. They do get "bored" though after about an hour so I'm left to finish.. buy HEY, I GET AN HOUR!! hehe
Your tree is gorgeous Ann! When everyone sees it, they'll be so pleased!
Enjoy Church and brunch. From what you and Jim have written, it sounds as if it will be so lovely!
I'm so glad you're blogging, I just love how you write!
*hugs* Angie
Ann, you've just given me one more reason to move up there. What a beautiful chapel! And a Lessons and Carols services are wonderful in that you tend to concentrate more than usual on the words in the songs, which are beautiful writing on their own. What a lovely evening!
I'll have the Rosemary Pork, please.
Your new tradition's are just fine. This is a very different Christmas for me as well and it's o.k. The kids grow up and do their own thing just like they're supposed to.
Jim.. Thanks for taking a look at the tree.. I just wish that everything else was decorated!
The restaurant is HighPoint. It is the 'other' one at Sewanee... It's the one where the waiter dropped that large tray of Banana's Foster while going up those back stairs!
Angie- The other ornaments that I didn't mention with the ornaments that my husbands Aunt made before she died. They are decorated with ribbons, braid, lace, beads, pearls, and parts of old jewelry. We (our entire Supper Club) will be attending the 5:00pm service and then heading for dinner. I hope we aren't our usual rowdy group... But I know it will be wonderful!
Sue- I've never attended a Lessons and Carols and I'm really looking forward to it. I'll let you know what I end up ordering but I'm leaning towards:
Horseradish Crusted Grouper
With sweet balsamic orange reduction.
Ann and Angie: Some pictures of those beautiful handmade ornaments sure would be nice:)
Horseradish Crusted Grouper ~ YUM!
Anything with Horseradish would be my choice!
Sue, what a great idea. When I go to Mom's over the holidays I'll have my boy take a few pics. Maybe with a picture I can recreate them! =)
Oh Jim...don't you remember the restaurant where we all went and ate and I was embarrassed beyond belief when y'all all started eating off each others plates! :) That's when everyone started doing it just to MORTIFY me!
Oops...Mom...you've been caught! Just kidding! love the blog! PLEASE KEEP IT UP!!
~GA~
When my kids get mortified about eating off other family members plates I remind them that I used to breast feed them! LOL That usually shuts them up!!
Nothin' says family like sharing germs!! hehe
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