Micah's Christmas Experience

He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!

This year, we've decided to take this quote to heart. We are going to simplify Christmas, get back to that "real meaning" stuff. Sure, Santa will still visit our house on Christmas Eve and we'll still exchange gifts Christmas morning. But that is not (hopefully) going to be the climax of the season.

Instead, we are focusing on experiencing the whole Christmas Season. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, each family member will get to select one Christmas activity that they think will help make this time of year extra special. The options are wide open - Christmas caroling, baking a special Christmas treat, sledding as a family, etc.

Saturday morning, we went out for Micah's chosen Experience. He wanted to cut down our family Christmas tree. For the past few years, we've had one of those pre-made, pre-lit trees. But this year, he was craving messy pine sap & needles a good 'ol fashioned real tree.

Actually, I think all he really cared about was the excuse to use a saw and chop something down. Which he did - all be himself.

Presenting the Russell Family Christmas Tree!

The kids decorated it Sunday evening. And, reminiscent of my childhood Christmases of old, Dad's job was to set up the tree in the stand (although Nathan somehow managed to get it standing up straight without uttering a single swear word. Amazing!), and wrap it in lights. Then he disappeared while the kids & I hung the ornaments.

Every single ornament on the tree is either handmade by the kids, or has some significant memory or sentiment attached. It may not be the most fashionable or color-coordinated tree, but I think it is beautiful!