Christmas changes

This year we decided to do things a little differently. We wanted a live tree. As in, after Christmas we'll plant it in our yard. It seemed like a wonderful idea. We want to plant a wind break and this seemed like a great way to do it.

Only live trees that grow well in the desert aren't traditional Christmas trees. They are more sparse. And a live tree looks nothing like those beautiful artificial trees you see in the stores.

We also didn't find our tree until Dec 10. The latest I've ever had the tree up. And our house decorations aren't as plentiful as in years past. But still the spirit of the season is filling the house. Gifting girls hide surprised in their rooms. Gwen has proclaimed how excited she is to give her gift to Natalie.

I'm listening to holiday music for hours every day. Watching the movies I don't watch but this time of year. We wrapped up Christmas stories and each night the girls get to open one. Tonight they opened how the Grinch stole Christmas. Instead of reading it we're watching it.

Natalie has been so excited to see Santa this year. We've seen him a few times and each time she tells him "I want a shopping Cart" clearly she knows what she wants this year.