The Riccobenes: Decorating the Tree 2009

Monday, December 7, 2009

Decorating the Tree 2009

This night is probably on the Top 2 of our all time favorite Christmas activities. We LOVE the night of decorating the tree. I never thought I would be the mom that stepped back, and said "go for it" but I am. It actually is stress-relieving! We grew up knowing my mom would make the tree look perfect, putting our ornaments from our own boxes on, and letting our mom do the rest...and it always did look wonderful, but now as a mom- I don't want that responsibility! I love how the kids clump their own ornaments in their own ways- by territory, by type, by shiny-ness...it is a joy to watch!

I love watching as each child pulls out their ornaments from their own personal box (this comes from my childhood experience) and comments on EACH ornament-"oh I remember when I got this one, oh Remember who gave me this, this is one of my favorites..." Then they find the perfect spot for the ornament on the tree, placing it ceremoniously on a branch. I know how they feel...all of the ornaments that my Grandma Hayes made-needlepoint, pasta angel, starched doily angel...they create such a deep longing in me of times past, for people I love that are gone...and still here too because of these ornaments. I had no idea these ornaments would mean so much to me.

2009 Ornament Gifting (they are sleighs)

Decorating the tree

This is the first year Gianna has really taken part in the decorating...she fixated on this cookie ornament. She held it gently, gazed at it, wanted her picture with it...she was really taken with this one in particular! Gianna does not take part half-way either, everything she takes part in is with GUSTO!!!

My two guys!

Last year I bought a case of the Thomas Kemper flavored creme sodas for this night...of course I had to repeat after seeing the JOY on their faces! Dom LOVED the Orange Creme...he could not believe his GREAT fortune! Funny that our daughter wants nothing to do with pop...just like her momma!