December 3rd

Now to most people, December 3rd is just another day in the beginning of the month. But to my family growing up, it meant two things. The first thing is that it was my brother’s birthday, which then lead to the second thing. And that was that we could finally put up the Christmas tree! As long as I can remember, we’ve always had an artificial Christmas tree growing up. So that meant that we could put it up whenever we were allowed to and that was usually on Bob’s birthday. I’m not sure why or how this all got started, but I think I can guess. With 6 kids growing up on the farm, there was I’m sure a lot of questions when we could put up the tree. And just knowing how kids are, the question was probably asked more than once. So my folks picked a day.. and that day was December 3rd. So I laugh when we talk about putting up our Christmas tree in our house. The conversation usually goes something like this. ‘Well Bob’s birthday is next week, so when do you think we should get our tree?”. Too funny! We have gotten a real tree for a very long time and continue to get a real tree. So now our tree is now up but it’s not decorated yet. We’re waiting for Kyle to come home to help decorate it the weekend before Christmas. Now that’s also one of our traditions. If the boys are home, they are the ones to put the decorations on the tree along with setting up the train under the tree. And even though the train and the track has seen better days, it doesn’t matter. It’s just one of those things that they do. I feel kind of sad sometimes if families don’t have traditions to follow around Christmas time. I mean, how would they know when it’s the right time to put up their tree and everything? Well, I guess if they just remember December 3rd, they’ll  be able to start their own tradition.

The tree is up and waiting for the boys to decorate it