On Trimming The Tree
Nothing raises my blood pressure like trying to set up my ugly, artificial Christmas tree.
I am not calling my tree ugly because I'm ornery. No, no. It really is just...ugly. It's very old, smells weird, tilts to the left, has uneven and ratty branches, and is a PAIN to set up. By the time I have fluffed the last branch, I'm "sweating like a sinner in church."
I suppose my contempt for putting up my tree stems from a couple of reasons:
1.) Putting up the tree with spastic children around is equivalent to waging war with chimps. Why, oh why, do I bother? The tree comes out of it's box and something strange happens to my kids (and me)...
I am not calling my tree ugly because I'm ornery. No, no. It really is just...ugly. It's very old, smells weird, tilts to the left, has uneven and ratty branches, and is a PAIN to set up. By the time I have fluffed the last branch, I'm "sweating like a sinner in church."
I suppose my contempt for putting up my tree stems from a couple of reasons:
1.) Putting up the tree with spastic children around is equivalent to waging war with chimps. Why, oh why, do I bother? The tree comes out of it's box and something strange happens to my kids (and me)...
"Cam, stop whipping the Christmas lights around! They are NOT a weapon!"
"Lilly, if you dance around the tree like that you'll knock it over!"
"Camren! If you keep throwing those ornaments they will break!"
"Lilly, stop hitting your brother with the candy canes!"
"Why are you jumping off the couches?"
"You broke ANOTHER ornament!?! What did I tell you?!"
"WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE SHUT BING CROSBY UP AND TURN OFF THAT MUSIC!?"
2.) I expect perfection to the point of stress, which is dumb, I know. I want my children to behave beautifully. I want there to be peace in my home while we celebrate a family tradition. I want the ornaments to be evenly spaced apart. I want the tree to stay in an upright position. I want the big hole on the left side of the tree to disappear. I WANT THE STINKIN' LIGHTS TO WORK! Every year, I want it to be just perfect...and naturally, every year it's chaos.
Last night, in the midst of the tree trimming, it dawned on me that it will never be perfect. Life's not like that. The reality is that ornaments break, children fight, and old artificial trees smell weird. Lights will stop working as soon as you put them up, and "holly jolly" crooners on the radio will occasionally annoy you. It is okay.
Absolutely agree! And even though the other things would be nice lol, what it is like, the reality of it, is the tradition. Perfection will never happen, but your perfect and other people's perception of perfect are two different things and I think all of what you described is perfect to me. Traditionally imperfect, I like it! xo
ReplyDelete(How many times can one comment contain the word perfect?)
HA HA! THank you so much, Kerry! I loved your comment. You are a hoot! A perfectly perfect Aussie hoot that is perfect! HA HA! Thank you so much for reading, for commenting, and for supporting me. Love you, woman!
DeleteAnd you know what else is 'perfect'? I am the first commenter :)
ReplyDeleteI love your perfectly ugly Christmas tree! I think it is darling! I finally upgraded my tree this year because last year most of the lights went out. It was due time. I love your perspective on life.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU, McKenzie!! I loved your comment. It was "perfect." :) Love your guts, sweetie pie!
DeleteI think your tree is pretty :) And.. you're correct.. it's the memories we make as a family that count!
ReplyDeleteStopping by via the Sit and Relax weekend hop!
~ Jill
http://www.frugalplus.com/
Hi Jill! Thank you so much for stopping by and for commenting! The memories we make are what matters most, absolutely. Thanks for making my day! You're the best!
DeleteBeautifully said. Kids are adorable. Hope you have a wonderful and blessed Holiday! Patty PS tree turned out great!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, dearest Patty! You are such a dear! Thank you for your nice comment and for thinking my ugly tree is pretty. HA HA! It was great hearing from you. Hope you have a wonderful week.
DeleteI think your tree is pretty, and your kids are adorable!
ReplyDeleteNew follower from Friday Chaos.
http://musingsofamommabear.blogspot.com
YAAAYY!!! Thank you so much, Kim, for stopping by, for commenting, and for following! I always appreciate the support and love! Have a wonderful week!
DeleteLove this and love YOU!! The photos of Camren and Lilly are so sweet - love their stripes! Those candy ornaments are so cute - are they from Target?! I have to go there later and check out their goods! Thinking of you and wishing you an awesome weekend, mi amiga! Xoxox
ReplyDeleteMaria
LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK! XOXO!
DeleteWhat a sweet post. You're a great mama!!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for linking up with the Aloha Friday Blog Hop!! I am following you in all the options you have on your blog for me to follow!!
Please spread the word, share the blog code on your blog!! Who knows, you could end up being the featured blog next week!! Aloha Friday Blog Hop
THANK YOU SO MUCH, HONEY! I always love linking up at ALoha Friday! I need to get that button on my blog!!! HA HA! Great hearing from you, though. THanks for commenting!
DeleteFrom one ugly tree owner to another, I love this. My kids do the decorating, there will be time enough for the perfect decor in the future. Now the most magical thing is seeing them enjoy it. Watching my teenager lift his two year old sister to put the plastic decorations on. I'm okay with it, even if I pin a million trees I'd rather have in my home.
ReplyDeleteNew follower! We put up our first family Christmas tree this year (hubby was deployed and I was pregnant last year) and I felt the same way!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures too :)
My tree has been up a week and its still not perfect. Lol. Some people make it look so easy. Im one of your newest followers. I would love for you to check my blog out!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.navywif33.com