The Holidays have very distinct memories for me. In my earlier lifetime, I was either dancing in the Nutcracker (hundreds of shows, literally) or then went to work in Retail, so the holiday season meant very long days and nights. I couldn't wait for them to be over. Now I'm grateful that I can actually enjoy the season a bit more, and help make new holiday memories for our family.

I purchased this white Christmas tree several years ago, pre house-renovation at a big box store. It's (kind of) holding up, but the hot summers here (it's stored in an outdoor shed) are starting to do a number on some of its white "branches." At least it's still fairly sparkly and looks (mostly) white when the lights are on. I do miss the smell of fresh pine and picking out a fresh tree, but nearly all of us in our family have some form of allergies or asthma and sadly the fresh trees don't fare too well with us!

As the kids are growing older (and past the toddler-touch-everything-age) it is great that they can now help unwrap and hang ornaments without too much wreckage (only three broken ornaments this time around!) Bring on the festive season!