Putting up the tree

My family used to think I was a bit nuts over the timing of putting up the Christmas Tree.  In our house I didn't usually let them put it up until the 8th of December.

I know you are thinking what an odd date to choose.  Now it might be just me but I have a birthday on the 7th and it's my day.  I don't really want to share it with Christmas.  Don't get me wrong I love Christmas and all it represents and treasure the extra time I can spend with my wonderful family (some of who don't listen apparently but that's another story).

In the 'olden days' my kids would be chomping at the bit to put up the tree. The chant would resonate through the house. 'Can we put up the tree, pleeeeaaasssee.' 'Everyone else has theirs up why can't we'. It took a long time for them to understand it was a me thing. 

Of course once the tree was up then came the decorating, it was adorned with all those wonderful carboard stars, Santas etc. decorated with with cotton wool, crepe paper and glitter glue interspersed on the tree with the baubles held together with sticky tape because the dog had chewed them. And of course there were the lights that took forever to get going because you had to find replace the one pesky blown bulb. Under our tree was also a wax candle of Santa.  He sat under each tree we put up for many years and each year looked a little worse for wear when everything was packed away. The kids always thought it was the most beautiful tree ever. The ghosts of Christmas past still lerk in the box (including wax Santa) and rarely see the light of day but they hold treasured memories of family time (fights and all) in putting up the Christmas tree, the accumulated presents and the delight of Christmas Day.

The tradition has faded a little in my house now as the family has moved on. The memories were all brought back tonight though when I saw the delight my granddaughter had in showing me the lights on their tree.  It's such a special time.