Oh, Christmas Tree (and decorations)!

This year marks our 3rd Christmas as a married couple, our 2nd spent together, and our very 1st on our own. Unfortunately, due to upcoming events, we weren't able to go home for Christmas this year. Sad, but okay at the same time. It's about time we got to celebrate a big holiday in our own home and start forming our own traditions and holiday habits. 

Growing up, James always had a real tree and I always had a fake one. Trying to find a compromise, I suggested getting one of each (which would mean two trees and that excites me to no end), but that didn't go over too well. With an anticipated move across the country within the next year, we opted for a real tree as we didn't want to bring yet another big thing along with us. Real trees also have that wonderful pine smell, so my arm didn't need to much twisting. 

As suggested by my good friend Brittany (Hey, girl!), we went to a local tree farm called Simmons Farm last Friday. I almost but not really at the same time wish we were having another Christmas here so we could go back next year. Simmons was such a neat little place. Along with their fresh Frazier and Balsam firs, they sold little trinkets and ornaments galore. Like so many other places around here, they also had dogs that roamed freely around the property. If they weren't following you around and being sweet as can be, the dogs were either laying in the middle of the shop or running laps back and forth between the rows of growing trees. Seeing pets meander about is one of my favorite things here, and a thing I'll truly miss. I suppose I'll give it up for an In N Our burger, though. 

Anyway, after a half an hour debate of which tree was the tree, we finally found one that was perfect. James wanted a smaller tree, but that wasn't going to cut it for me and I wanted a bigger one. We settled on one that was kind of in between, but it leaned more on the taller end (of course :D). BUT. James had agreed upon it before he saw how big it really was and that was the end. There was no going back at that point. I was sold and beaming and taking pictures like a mad woman. Tree found, we had it bagged and thrown on top of my car. And, of course, James used 550 cord to strap it down. 

Once home, we let all of the branches fall a bit before stringing lights and hanging ornaments on it. That took a few days seeing as our tree was caked with snow and frozen to the core of the trunk, but it was well worth it. All we needed was the tree, anyway, for the Christmas frenzy to kick in. With a fir now nestled in our home, all the decorations came out and a list was made of what we still needed. By Sunday evening, our home was fully decorated, filled with a warm pine scent, and tree lit and clothed. Coming home from wherever I am is such a pleasure, now. As soon as I walk in the door, I'm greeted with the sight of this beautiful tree and a subtle, but obvious, balsam. It's pure holiday bliss.