Tuesday, November 22, 2016

The Annual Tree-Decorating Get-Together

We have been doing this for three and a half decades, give or take — getting family together to decorate the tree. I think we began this tradition when my parents moved to Sarnia in the early 80s.

It was never a big affair, but it was a tradition with seven of us: Sue, me, the kids, my parents and Val (a family friend). Although my mother and Allyson are almost hidden, we are all in this photo, except for moi who was taking the picture.


Dad was usually cajoled into hanging one ornament at the end. I pretty much do the same thing, letting the gals and the kids have most of the fun.


Here I am with Mom.


And so, the tradition continues. There were just five of us this year: Sue, me, Shauna, Danica and Jonathan. We now do this at the kids' house and not ours. It seems to make more sense, especially since we just put up a pre-lit tree now in our little place.

The tree was already up with the lights on when Sue and I arrived. JJ was happy to act out on the step ladder.


Then, Danica used to ladder to get a good view of ongoing progress.


The kids worked well and happily together.



Sue and Shauna did their part well.


And even, moi although this ornament had a very difficult string.


But mostly I took pictures and sat with the cat. It's good to know one's role.



And that's that until next year.


12 comments:

Marie Smith said...

Such a great tradition, AC. And so it continues...

Jim said...

Looks like fun. I too put up a small prelit tree. Nothing too special about it but the meaningful ornaments. I keep decorating to a minimum since I am the one to put it up and take it down. But as long as I can, I will continue. Your family shots of years gone by are precious. And your recent ones with the grandkids are sweet. Have a great holiday.

Tabor said...

I am envious of your traditions. I thought we would have that when we moved here, but no one comes before the holidays and they are so busy and want to start their own tree decorating traditions, but we are not usually invited to theirs either. I am not writing this to complain or portray anything other than it is what it is.

Silver in AZ said...

Sadly, this is one of my bigger failings as a mother/matriarch. I am such a control freak, it is very difficult for me to allow others to have much control in helping decorate the tree. I can't believe I'm actually admitting to it here. It's an ugly side to my soul. :(

Mara said...

I always look forward to your family's tree-trimming day. It means Christmas is really getting close now. Although my tree probably won't be trimmed until Christmas Eve!

Mage said...

Beautiful trees, every one. Now are you going to eat your turkey around your tree?

Jackie said...

Lovely tradition....
Family love!

Vicki Lane said...

So nice to see a tradition continue! We do the same, though not till nearer Christmas.

Ginnie said...

Cute. I love the first picture where Sue was playing to the camera and you even then ... little did she know it will all be recorded by you as the years pass.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

We have never had a family tree trimming project, so thanks for sharing photos from your earlier and current events. We will forgo our own tree this year because Dec travels will once again mean being away from out place...but we will share the reason "why" soon and it's all good.

Jenn Jilks said...

What a team!
I will put up our wee fake tree once the new carpet arrives! The outdoor one looks good. Yours is great! What a happy family.

Kay said...

Your tree is beautiful. I love seeing the photos of your family maintaining the holiday tradition. We weren't going to put up a tree this year until we heard our grandson was coming to visit. He's only 18 months old, but we put one up for him anyway.