Our Christmas

So, this is The Duncan Family Christmas on December 2nd. You can never be too early! We have created some traditions in our 5 short years as a family, but these pictures describe the highlights.

This is the Christmas Tree Farm we pick our tree from every year. As in years past, Andy and I forget hats and our ears nearly fall off as we leave. Maeic is hitching a ride as we walk quite a way to find The Perfect Tree (note-does not exist at this farm).

We thought this one would do just fine (another note: trees start looking 'fine' when it is super cold and the wind is blowing and you forgot a hat). I think we landed on a Douglas Fir.

We have started a new tradition this year- Dawson's Dogs. You get 12 coney dogs for $10 and don't have to cook, do dishes, or tip the waitress because we took them back to our house. It is a very un-Christmas meal, but very good.

Next stop...Wal-Mart. Andy and I decided long ago that Maeic had plenty of people who loved him and showered him with Christmas gifts. So, every year, we take him to Wal-Mart, Penny's, Target, ect and take a tag of the Angel Tree. These cards have the names, ages, and sizes of kids that are in need of a coat, pants, shirt, and shoes. We explain to him that not all kids have Grandmas and Grandpas, Nanas and Papas, or Binkies to buy them warm clothes. This is now Maeic's Christmas gift from us. We try to get one near his age so he can pick out what this little boy might like. We then gather the goodies, pray for the little one who is receiving this gift, and give it to the people in charge.

This is the entry way to The Festival of Lights put on at a nearby park. You drive approximately one mile and see all kinds of displays of lights, each representing the company that sponsored it. It's beautiful and peaceful. We also go downtown to look at the giant Santa that is sprawled across the side of a building. These are also the cheaper part of the tradition!

And finally, the Christmas tree in our family room. It is amazing how much each tree, each year, grows dramatically from the time you cut it out of the field to the time you get it in the house! Literally, we try to scale down each year, but when the tree is nestled among it's tree friends, it appears tiny. Not so much!

All in all, we had a great time with no energy left over to decorate the tree! Oh well, something to do the next day!