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| 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?
