Deck the Halls

It was time, indeed time, to scout out this year's Christmas tree. So we headed to Nall's Produce in Springfield to find the perfect specimen. Harry didn't have a lot of interest in tree shopping, per se, but running around the "tree farm," in the dark, now that was a good toddler time. (We visit Nall's to buy our tree each year because it "feels" like the country at night, with a fire burning outside and a country market selling cider, but the fact is it's just a block from a 7-Eleven. Next year I vow we're going out to Loudoun to cut one down. )

Despite the hour we kept Harry jolly in the car on the way home by providing the bounty that is kettle corn -- not the best pre-bedtime snack. Our first act back at the homestead was to ask Harry to water the tree, which he took very seriously. Into the kitchen he ran for his sippy cup which he shook at the tree, sprinkling it with drops.

The following night we set about trimming. Harry and Charlotte were both really engaged - she mostly with the lights. So far he shows no interest in toying with the ornaments. I've purposely kept all the fragile ones where they belong, in the boxes (!) but so far so good. Jury is still out on Charlotte who yesterday seems to have formally decided that walking is better than crawling. She is sure to discover the tree when my back is turned.

So, with the tree half-trimmed (the rest is mom's job, right?) the kids settled in to watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas." It just blows my mind that my kids are enjoying the same holiday programs that many of us did as a children. While the animation is positively prehistoric by today's standards, the shows never cease to delight. Even me.