Thursday, December 06, 2007

My Christmas has changed ...

Or.... have children changed my Christmas?

They ran around the house searching for "presents" for every member of our family and friends. "Ahhh, we forgot about the librarian! She needs a present too!" They used last year's wrapping paper and loads of tape to wrap their "gifts." They used stickers to complete the final look. Wrapping presents took hours of concentration and this mommy will not be re-wrapping them anytime soon. It is the thought that counts. Yes? This year, every member of our family will be receiving presents that look like this.

Yes, you are welcome.

This year we have a "Mommy tree." Only Moms and Dads are allowed to touch the tree. The ornaments begin 1/2 way up the tree, about where the baby's arm reach ends when she is inside her walker. The tree smells amazing and so far nothing has broken. The ornaments are all hand crafted - mouth blown - priceless glass timepieces meant to be handed down for generations to come. Beautiful. Yes?

This year we also have a "Kiddos tree." Everybody can touch this artificial tree in our family room. In fact, this is a tree where the Care Bears live next to Darth Vader. Dora has become neighbors to a Transformer. This "kiddo tree" keeps collecting more and more "ornaments" each day. A new paper snow man is found taped to the middle - about the middle where Lola's reach ends. A beautiful decorated paper candy cane is taped near the top - definitely placed carefully by the first born. Ornaments from the first year of preschool given to parents as gifts. The kiddos first time on Santa's lap in a framed ornament. Paper snowflakes cut out with trembling first time scissor cutters. Beautiful. Yes?


I look at my two trees often throughout the day. I smile when I look under the tree and see a complete mess of wrapped gifts. Hideous tape wrapped and wrapped around the presents as liberally as ribbon. Years ago, I would have re-wrapped the gifts. Years ago, I would have had matching gift tags and bows. Years ago, I would have never included paper ornaments on my tree. Years ago, I swore that MY children would never watch Star Wars and the Care Bears. Years ago, I would have never blasted the volume as the Chipmunk's Christmas song came on the radio. Years ago, I had a list of material items I wanted for Christmas - and sent the list to others. Years ago, I was never this happy. Oh, how my Christmas has changed. Thank you children.

14classy comments:

chichimama said...

What a wonderful post.

My kids are wrapping in ziploc bags this year...your crew's wrapping job looks fabulous, comparatively!

Unknown said...

Isn't it amazing how they so dramatically and completely change your life. There are things that I'm sure if I sat down and really thought about it, I want for Christmas but I am so completely focused on making this Christmas more wonderful than the last that it doesn't matter.

Both of those trees are so beautiful in their own ways! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the glass ornaments...I wish I had a tree full of those! But I also ADORE the homemade ornaments and the Dora and Care Bears! I never would have thought this is where I would be but I wouldn't change it.

Great Post!

AutoSysGene said...

Both trees are beautiful in their own way. Isn't it great to have kids that change your life so totally?

You blown glass ornaments are beautiful by the way!

Thanks for the look at your trees!

Be Inspired Always said...

Beautiful post.

Jillian

Kat said...

That was precious. A very good reminder to me to let my children enjoy the holiday in their own way. Thank you.

Kellan said...

I love both of your beautiful trees! And yes ... children do definitely change Christmas. Great post - as usual. Take care, Kellan

adequatemom said...

This post is terrific! I love the idea of having two separate trees, what a wonderful way to involve everyone! Also, I'm sure friends and family will hugely appreciate getting gifts wrapped by the kids. Very thoughtful and creative, and now your kids will grow up knowing how wonderful it is to give to others!

Cecily R said...

I love the wrapping. That's my kind of present.

I love your Mommy tree (it's beautiful), but I adore the fun one! I love the paper and the home made ornaments.

I know you aren't shocked by that revelation...:)

Mr Lady said...

May I please leave a completely irrelevant comment? PLEASE?

Thanks! I tried to email it, and seriously failed.

Thanks for the wishes. For me, it was the easiest thing to quit ever. All 6 times. :)

And really, you drunk-mailed your friends your blog? Sister, you either have way more guts than I do or a significantly lower tolerance for booze. I really, really, hope that worked out ok for you!

AMY said...

I love both of your trees. They are both beautiful! Since this was my first time to your blog I had to read a few others. Can I say I LOVED the "shoe-shoeing" story? That is terrific! Lola is a quick one...you gotta give her that!
Thanks for stopping by!

TheOneTrueSue said...

I loved this - and I love your second tree. Funny how priorities change, isn't it?

Amy said...

What a wonderful post. Yes, the kiddies change Christmas, in a good way. I'm glad you found a way to have a kids tree and a mommy tree. What a fabulous idea.

Anonymous said...

When I reflect on my past, I, too, realize I was never as happy as I am now with my 2 children. Regardless of how great and carefree my life seemed then, it is nothing compared to the joy I have now as a mother and a wife. Good for you. And as far as having 2 trees, that's a great idea. Only I wish I had the space:-)

Unknown said...

GORGEOUS trees!!!

 

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