Oh Christmas Tree

 Last Sunday, we decorated the house for Christmas. I say we, as in Jake, hubby and I. Ellie and Z, my niece, were in the living room supervising the process. Hubby sets the tree up, a wonderful smelling real one, puts on the lights and then goes outside to hang lights and wreaths. I decorate the house and tree. Jake chipped in and hung some ornaments with me. I think he is feeling a bit nostalgic as he is going away to college next year. I love our tree. It does not have matching ornaments, a theme, or fancy ribbon. Our tree is a tree of memories. Handmade ornaments the kids made in school, pics of the kids growing up made into ornaments, and ornaments which were gifts from friends and family. There are also ornaments the kids and I have made every year for the last 10 years. The goal is that when the kids move out and have their own home, they will have an ornament set to take with them.

I love the memories. It is our third Christmas as a combined Francis/Bosch household and we are making our own memories and traditions. The first Christmas I will admit was a bit awkward as we tried to combine two sets of memories and traditions. We decided to pick out what was most important to the both of us and get rid of the rest. I am going to get Rader in on the fun of making ornaments this year. He does not know it yet, so shhhh it's a surprise. I have taught hubby how to make fudge and this weekend we are going to teach hubby how to decorate Christmas cookies. Can you believe hubby has never decorated cookies? This boggles my mind.
  As far as the actual Christmas day goes, it will be interesting. My kids will be with their dad and hubby and his ex split the day so we get the boys Christmas Eve til Christmas day at 2:00. I am hoping the eldest stepson comes by. We really miss him. Hubby's family is not celebrating until 2:00 so stepson is going to miss the Francis family get together. It is so hard this time of year trying to coordinate everyone's schedule, but we always try to make the best of it. Hubby and I have extra special plans for Christmas that we are so looking forward to. After all the stress we have been through the last few weeks, it will be awesome. Do you have fun Christmas plans? What are your traditions? Whatever they are, make the most of it, spend time with the ones you love and as always:
Hugs!