Decorating the Tree

 

Christmas 2020

You know, I really never expected to be at this stage of my life and to be decorating my Christmas tree by myself.  Decorating the tree was always a family tradition. Now that is not to say that all of the family got to decorate the tree.  Growing up, Dad and Bill put on the lights, then Mom, Grandmother and I decorated the tree.  Eventually it turned into Mom and I decorating the tree and Grandmother telling us where to put the ornaments LOL  And once Heidi came along, she got invited to decorate the tree as well.  Dad and Bill were still relegated to lights duty.  Often the decorating of the tree would take place around my birthday. We did not do it the weekend after Thanksgiving because we usually had company with us.  And Thanksgiving was sacred to Mom so no decorations went up during that holiday weekend. 

Christmas 2021

When I have been in relationships, I always decorated the tree with my partner.  I don't know if it meant as much to them as it did to me because I just love to decorate for the holidays, but I appreciated the assistance. Memories were created.  Good memories and that is what is important.  And now, here I am, by myself and decorating the tree on my own.  And to be honest, I'm having a wonderful time.  I've got my records playing and I am reliving so many memories when I pull the ornaments out of their boxes.  It makes me smile.  It makes my heart smile.  And it is important to me that I can still enjoy this on my own.  I am enveloped in love and in the spirits of those gone before me and those still here while I hang each ornament on its branch.  It is no less special than it was 30 years ago.  Different, yes, but still no less special.

Christmas Toy Tree 2023

I will admit, though, that I have gotten frustrated when putting the tree together.  Several sections of the lights are not working, and I cannot figure out how to fix it.  So, there are some dark sections of the tree.  Oh well. This is still a great precursor to December for me.  I still have to finish up the tree tonight and then start decorating the house.  My goal is to have it done before my birthday next Friday.   I often make jokes on social media about my spinster status, but I actually wear that title with pride these days.  I have learned that being lone does not equate being lonely. Decorating my tree tonight only reiterates that philosophy.  Now, time to get back to it!  Hopefully I can finish up tonight!

Bea and the Tree 2024