So, we live in Chicago, in a fair-sized apartment. The problem is that we have little to no storage space. I'm talking, under beds, two closets and an extra set of drawers. That's it. We even store a few things in the trunk of our car when company comes. Although I think that we manage the space well, it's pretty tough to acquire anything else without getting rid of something. We try to purge extra clothes on a regular basis.
The one thing that we do not have to store right now is a Christmas tree. That is because we don't have one. We have some ornaments and some tinsel and stockings but no tree. We have used one from my grandmother for the past few years. I plan on making good use of that tree again this year since, alas, I believe that I have lost the Christmas tree battle. My husband is right . . . yes, I mean that. We don't have the space. It is another thing to store. I have not thought about where exactly it would go at the end of the season.
But. I. really. love. Christmas.
I have dreamed of having my very own family Christmas tree for years. I always loved and still adore my parents' 9 foot tree at home. It is always so lovely and full of great memories. However, all through undergrad and law school, I couldn't wait to have my own place so that I could have my own full-size tree to decorate. The problem: I have been out of law school going on three years now and still have not had my very own tree. While I understand that these are first-world problems and in the grand scheme of things -- especially with a wonderful trip coming up in the future -- it is not a big deal, I still really would like a tree.
Seeing my Christmas tree every evening when I come home from work and every morning while I eat breakfast is not a reminder of the Santa Claus parts of Christmas or gifts, or snowmen, etc. It is a reminder of the season and of the real reason for all of the celebration and anticipation. (The armadillo ornament that I purchased last fall in San Antonio is on the back of the tree so that it doesn't ruin the sanctity of the tree -- and it's pretty ugly. :) ) It is a visual reminder of family, friends and my faith. I can do without the presents -- really, I mean it. I truly have all that I need and want, for that matter.
I just like the visual reminder. Here's to hoping that I can still use my favorite substitute for a big tree: my Grandma's long needle artificial pine. THAT'S a special tree.
OKAY . . . so after I drafted this post. We decorated my Grandma's Christmas tree. I can be SUCH a brat sometimes!!!
Note to self: remember this in about a month when I'm searching for New Year's Resolutions.
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