Christmas Tree



This is the Christmas Tree set up at the Apartment's Club House

I never had a Christmas Tree at home.  NEVER.  My parents didn't have the money nor the space to afford a Christmas Tree and they thought it was quite unnecessary to purchase one.

But my most vivid childhood memory about Christmas was the beautiful Christmas Tree at one of my cousin's house.  He lived quite far away from us and we drove for about 2 hours to spend our Christmas dinner at his home.  The whole family gathered at his house that year (we had a tradition to spend the day at different houses each year).

Not all my relatives lived in the same city so Christmas was a very special time of the year when we get to see everybody: grand parents, all the uncles and aunts and cousins!  I don't remember what we ate nor the presents I received but I remember two things the most: the joy of seeing everybody and the Christmas Tree (if there was one).

The tree was the first thing I noticed when I entered the living room.  It was so BIG!  Well maybe the tree wasn't that big but I was a child back then so to me it was HUGE!  It was decorated with the usual green and red lights and many shiny ornaments.  All the Christmas presents were placed at the bottom of the tree and my brother and I were in awe of such a sight.

I remember how we gathered around that tree and basically spent the whole day playing games in the living room.  My cousins were all around the same age so we got along really well.

As a mother, I wanted to create a little bit of that magic for my children and their cousins to enjoy.  I didn't intend to buy a big Christmas tree because I just don't have that much space in my home so a little tree was probably the best option!

But then my hopes for even the smallest Christmas Tree were dashed away when we had to unexpectedly change the tires of the car along with some oil change, car alignment, etc.  The whopping $1,500 bill sent my Christmas plans down the drain and I had to make changes.

At first I was a little bummed but past the initial shock, I must say I don't think the Christmas Tree matters much.  My childhood's happy moments were made possible thanks to my loving parents and the fun time I had with my cousins.  The Christmas tree was only an object that symbolized this but still an object and not the actually source of happiness.

I won't have a Christmas Tree this year but I have my darling little children and my sweet husband, my adorable nephews and kind relatives.  I don't think I could ask for more!

Do you have a big Christmas Tree at home?  Does your family have a tradition with Christmas Tree ornaments and decorations?

At the Galleria

My little girl wasn't feeling too well yesterday.  She developed a slight body rash which is the first time it has happened.  She never had any type of baby rash before and she didn't eat anything new this weekend so I wonder what has triggered this sudden condition.

 

I hope she will feel better soon and we can go out again like this weekend.  I took her out to the Galleria on Saturday to play at their indoor playground because it was colder than usual outside.  It was incredibly crowded.  It seems the Christmas shopping rush has started earlier this year.

 

We admired the huge Christmas tree they placed at the center of the ice ring.

We didn't go window shopping but we did stop at the Sanrio store!

I was very tempted to buy their miniature dollhouse furniture!

 

They had a very cute Hello Kitty Christmas tree on display!

And many handbags!!!

And Wizard of Oz themed Hello Kitty plushies!
(I know Danzel from Silver Shoes and Rabbit Holes would love this!)

 

I can't wait to be home again with my children.  Even though I only have 3 work days this week because of Thanksgiving, I feel sad more than ever when I leave baby in the morning to go to work.  If it was up to me, I would stay home and cherish every day I can have with my family.  But I am the only one with a stable income so I can't leave my job.

 

I will think of the wonderful long weekend ahead and be in good spirits for the next 3 days.  We are planning a big family reunion as usual and a family dinner as well.  I won't cook the turkey this year and I'll let somebody else take care of that difficult task.  Have you ever prepared a whole chicken/turkey before?  It is scary and gross.  Well at least it is to me.  I don't usually cook meat so I always do so reluctantly, even with pre-cut pieces of meat.  So imagine how challenging it was to prepare a WHOLE chicken.  I won't attempt again, I can tell you that.

 

What are you planning to cook for Thanksgiving?