My First Christmas Tree

At 52, it is certainly about time I grow up and have my own Christmas tree, don't you think? - Actually, no. A lot about Christmas has to do with feeling like a child again, in the best possible sense. At Christmas and in the weeks leading up to it, many of us stick to traditions learned at home when we were little - traditions often passed down at least one or two more generations back. Over the years, we have added our own new traditions to that, especially those of you who have children. 

In spite of me spending Christmas Eve with my parents and sister, and Boxing Day with O.K.'s family, last year I suddenly felt like having my own tree (one of Jennifer's posts triggered that wish). It didn't work out then, but this year it has!

My parents bought an artificial tree years ago, and set it up for several years. This year, my Mum bought a small potted tree that will live on their balcony during the year and last for a few Christmases before it will grow too big and need to be replanted somewhere. We need more space in my parents' open-plan living/dining/kitchen area this year, as we will celebrate socially distanced, with plenty of space between our seats. Also, my Dad's mobility issues mean he will have less difficulty navigating the room when there is only a small tree on a side table instead of the larger one with branches, ornaments and candles sticking out in every direction.

Their artificial tree is now mine, sitting in the corner where my yellow armchair normally is:

I set it up yesterday during my coffee break, and started putting ornaments on it after work. It is not yet final - I have another box full of Christmas things in the cellar which I will bring up today, and put some more baubles on it. As you can see, there are already a few presents under the tree; some of them are what has arrived for me from England, but the majority are the ones I shall give to the family on Christmas Eve. I have not yet finished wrapping my presents and hope to do that today, too, leaving tomorrow as a day of rest - my first day off since September - until it will be time to put all my presents in a large bag and walk over to my parents'.

 

Dear friends in blogland, this was a year like no other; I need not elaborate on that. But it also was another year of exchange with you, something that means a lot to me. I value and appreciate each of you, no matter where you live and how frequently you comment here. Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!