Christmas Cat

[lydamorehouse]

 
Image: my big fluff button under the tree, having captured an ornament.

We trimmed the tree this weekend. I'd take a picture of it, but photos never do Christmas trees much justice, IMHO.  Perhaps because the eye needs to roam between the lights and the individual ornaments to truly appreciate the personality of an individual tee. For instance, our trees always have a whole flock of birds hidden among the branches, antique blown glass of my grandmother's, a high heel wearing crocodile, several Star Trek ornaments, Captain America, and other curios gathered over the years. 

Because Willow is still young, the bottom half of the tree is still trimmed with unbreakables (like the one Buttercup nabbed.) 

Normally, we would never put up a tree quite this early, but there is a Christmas tree shortage and so when we saw a full lot on Wednesday, we impulse bought a tree and brought it home. In the past we've waited until Solstice, but we just don't think there will be much to chose from by then.

What about you? Do you do a tree? Are you lighting candles on a menorah? Preparing your list of grievances for Festivus? Reading up Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica for Newtonmas? Reciting poetry for the Iranian solstice celebration of Yaldā Night? House cleaning for Ōmisoka? Brushing up on your Esperanto for Zamenhof Day? Anyone I know celebrating Kwanza?

Comments

[j00j]

We are lighting menorahs as we usually do (partner's family has many, usually we get out one per family member. The kids made their own in daycare).
We bought a tree for the first time; normally we all travel to various places, so we are adapting and making some of our own traditions this year.

[lydamorehouse]

Happy Hanukkah!

And, yeah, as I said above, we're fortunate in that we never used to do much visiting this time of year. Ironically, what we loved about Christmas was a chance to all be alone, together--sitting in our respective chairs under piles of blankets and books.

It's tough to have to make new traditions, especially when the kids are expecting things. Are your kids dealing okay with the holiday changes?

[j00j]

Belatedly, thank you!

The nephews are young enough at 3 that I don't think they have clear expectations based on what we did last year, let alone the year before. I'm sure if asked they would like to go see Grandpere and Grammy, but they don't have that attachment to it that an older child would have. They enjoyed putting up a Christmas tree with us.
I do love being alone together with books-- that's one of my favorite things about visiting my IL family normally. Glad we can both enjoy some of our usual things!!