Getting the Tree

Time eventually defeats every custom. We go to the same place every year and get our Christmas tree. It is a joy-filled affair, and we’ve gone together for 22 years. Even last year without a plan or coordination of schedules, we all ended up there at the same time. Strange but delightful. But this year we broke off the impressive 20-year run, and each family got their own tree independent of the others.It was simpler before the kids all brought home spouses and then grandchildren. Now it almost takes an event planner for us to line up the stars. I’m not complaining. It is inevitable that they all build their own family traditions. I don’t blame them. That’s what I did. But it’s bittersweet. How does a parent ever forget the entrustment of innocence that comes with introducing your children to the simple joys of life – like searching out, buying, and decorating a Christmas tree together.Now I get to enjoy it from the Pop Pop vantage point. Once removed but still dear to the core. All the while holding Mary Anne’s hand. It’s back to just us and we are holding on to each other. She is the dearest.We picked out a tree quickly this year. It is decorated and shining in the front room broadcasting the house with sight and smell of Christmas. I don’t know when yet (the stars are still lining up) but everyone will gather and we will eat, laugh, and probably sing. It will be pandemonium with the grands, but in the middle of the festiveness, I will quietly look at each one in the room and give thanks. Jesus has blessed me with a special family. So, I say in the spirit of humble Tiny Tim, “God bless us everyone!”