“It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle belling and everyone…” Come on, sing it with me. Louder—you can do it!

Can you believe Christmas is almost upon us? Even though we’ve been practicing hard for our children’s play, it doesn’t seem possible that it’s time to get out the tree. Didn’t we just put it away?

Well, that’s exactly what we did this week. Pulled out our trees…all four of them (now before you think I’m crazy…two of the trees are only table top ones!). I love Christmas and when you come to my house, you can tell. I have decorations in almost every room. Yes, it takes awhile to get it all up, but it’s so pretty when it’s finished! (Jeff loves when he can finally put all 14 Christmas containers away!)

Over the next few weeks, I’m taking a break from “Mama’s Patchwork” to share with you some thoughts and traditions of Christmas. So, pour yourself a cup of steaming hot chocolate (with sprinkles), pull up a chair and enjoy!

Is it just me or does Christmas seem to come earlier every year? People start putting decorations up even before Halloween is over. The stores have the festive music playing and trees out in October!

I admit…I decorated a bit earlier this year. I wanted to get it “done and over with.” That doesn’t sound very festive, does it? Where’s the joy?

Don’t get me wrong, I love decorating, but I knew that starting early December everything just gets so busy and I wanted to be prepared. I also wanted to be able to sit back and enjoy the festive touch around my house while I get my cards ready, watch Christmas movies, spend time with friends, etc. But, is it too early?

When we were younger, the tree didn’t get put up in our house until December 21^st. That’s my brother’s birthday and it was tradition to wait until that day. Truth be told, it drove me crazy (sorry Murray)! I was a kid and everyone else had their tree up, so why did we have to wait until four days before Christmas? My parents said it made it more special.

You know what? They were right. It was special because our family held to the tradition. We did it together every year and made an event out of it. We loved to watch the little ‘bubble lights’ (remember those?) as they got hot. They danced and came alive. We would throw the icicles on even though Mom taught us to put them on one-by-one (we made sure she wasn’t watching of course). We were too impatient. But, it all brought joy to our faces. We laughed and had fun…together.

Now that I’m older, we’ve made other traditions and they are just as special (I will share some in the coming weeks). Some years Jeff and I go to the Christmas tree farm, walk through the rows until we find the perfect “one,” and cut it down. Then we laugh as we try to get the huge tree in our car with frozen fingers! It’s fun because we do it together.

It doesn’t matter when you put your decorations up as long as you have fun doing it! Do it together with your family. Give them all a task. Make up your own traditions. Then sit back with your favourite cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the lights twinkle.

Let’s not forget the reason why we give our houses the “Festive Touch.” Jesus is the reason for the season!

Luke 2:10 (KJV)

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.