I Sure Did...

 I sure did.......   what you ask?

Go ahead, take a wild guess!  Nope, I didn't bake a pie or pull out the turkey platter EARLY.  I didn't even start wrapping Christmas gifts (yet).....  You can't wrap gifts if you haven't purchased them.  However, I DID do something that might just land me on Sant's good list.

I PUT UP MY CHRISTMAS TREE!! 🎄

YEP, ON OCTOBER 30TH.  

It took me all afternoon (and I may have muttered a few frustrating words when the lights didn't cooperate), but by sunset, my living room was glowing. The twinkle lights, the cinnamon smell, and that first little ding-a-ling from my favorite old Christmas bell, made for a very fun and interesting afternoon. 

Dried Orange slices and cinnamon sticks.

 

Before you start thinking I've lost all sense of calendar control, hear me out.  I am heading out on a five-day trip with my friends next week and after that, Sam will be having the biopsy on his lung.  Truth be told, I don't really know what the days after will bring.  So, I figured while I had the time and energy, I would go ahead and deck the halls. 

This years theme for my tree is all about nature with a cozy charming feel.  Dried orange slices, clusters of red berries, old rustic bells, dried twigs, pine cones and a few extra's.  I love this type of tree because it makes my heart feel so hugged....like a favorite memory you can touch and hear jingling so softly.  

I love the natural touches..... they remind me of Christmases when I was a kid.  We strung popcorn and made all kinds of homemade ornaments way back then.  I love old memories and never get tired of them. How sweet it is to bring nature inside.

....How soon is too soon to decorate for Christmas??  Ah, this is the age-old debate isn't it?  Some say you should wait until after the turkey leftovers are gone, while others (like me) are ready to untangle the lights before the Halloween candy has even disappeared.  Truth is, there is no "Too Soon" when it comes to doing what makes your heart happy and what works best for your family.  The season of comfort, kindness, twinkle lights and trees isn't about the date on the calendar...it's about the feeling in your heart. 

While it's true that Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus Christ, decorating early gives us extra time to soak in the peace, the joy and the hope that comes with celebrating our Savior. It's not just about lights and ornaments, it's about preparing our hearts, slowing down long enough to notice the goodness around us. Every twinkle, every pine scented breath, and every carol playing softly in the background is a sweet reminder of why we celebrate in the first place:

BECAUSE.... LIGHT CAME INTO THE WORLD, AND WE GET TO REFLECT THAT LIGHT RIGHT HERE AT HOME. 

So yes, I sure did.... I put my Christmas tree up in October, and I'm not feeling any regrets about doing so.  I hope you want laugh at me.   Who knows, some of you may even want to join me.  

 Anyways....I always like to be prepared and for this reason, come Thanksgiving, we will be dining on Turkey and the fixings, while enjoying the glistening movement of the lights on my Christmas Tree.  

Some years call for changes and this is one of those years...

Shug...🎄