O Christmas Tree....

Here's the story of my Christmas tree.

Settle in.

It's a good one!

Several years ago, when my daughter got married,

she wanted all the ornaments we had given her growing up.

So, of course, we gave them to her...and I boxed up her brother's ornaments

so they'd be ready for him if he wanted them some day.

Since then I've been at a bit of a loss.

Changing my tree from year to year,

trying to find a new theme that fits us.

Something that we can treasure,

that will be worthy of sharing our holiday for years to come.

I'm proud to introduce our 'forever' tree.

 It all started with this ornament, 31 Christmases ago.

The love birds.

This ornament adorned our first tree,

and since then our children have watched us exchange a little smooch 

each year as we hang it amidst the lights.

 And here we are today.

Settled happily atop the tree,

with our empty nest perched behind us,

we're looking out over the times and places that have built our life together.

 He's from Oregon.

Oregon feels like home and summers and family.

 I'm from Philadelphia.

There I find my roots, history, childhood and family memories.

 Then there's our beloved Paris.

The city of their childhood.

And Boston...the city we now call home.

We do love this town!

 This tree holds photo memories.

Some from the Christmas mornings we shared.

 And many from the Christmas eve readings of 'Twas the Night...

 I've collected ornaments from almost all of the places we've travelled through the years.

Whether it was an African Safari, a week in Florida or a weekend in New Hampshire,

I'm building a collection of our travels.

And, may I just say, it has brought me so much joy!!

I love the ornaments I've found

{I mean did you see those Santa's dressed up as Paris and Philadelphia? Well, I have eight of them!}

And I am loving this trip down memory lane!

Ever since we had the privilege to live over seas for more than a decade,

I have considered myself a citizen of the world.

So, right next to the love birds at the top of the tree is this globe.

And those three simple words,

"Peace on Earth"

...well this is our wish.

At Christmas and all throughout the year.

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,

Such pleasure do you bring me!

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,

Such pleasure do you bring me!

For every year this Christmas tree,

Brings to us such joy and glee.

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,

Such pleasure do you bring me!

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,

You'll ever be unchanging!

A symbol of goodwill and love

You'll ever be unchanging

Sharing this story with

Kathy, Kim and the ladies from Communal Global