Tree Trimming 2006

Photoset on Flickr

Christmas is always a unique time of year. In years past I would always use Christmas as one of those benchmarks to compare the current year to years and times past. Sometimes I would remark on things like a distinct lack of Christmas spirit one year versus previous years (yes, it’s always better in the past, I know), or contrast the Christmas season in one country with another.

But one of the traditions i have always tried to keep is the Christmas Tree Trimming. This is something that my family did every year and it has a lot of importance and significance for me. Decorating the Christmas tree is a family activity which you share with a few of your closest friends. It’s a statement as much about familial cohesion as it is about Christmas. Even as an atheist, I enjoy getting into those aspects of the Christmas spirit that I find attractive (like the goodwill and generosity of the season).

This Christmas I wasn’t sure how I felt about repeating the tradition, which is why I put it off for so long. But in the end, my desire to keep the positive aspects of the tradition, and to engage in an activity that made me feel close to people, won out over my worries. And I have to thank Lynn, Ian, and John for making it such a fun evening. Between the three of them they finished off three bottles of wine and a bottle of champagne.

Thanks very much for making this years version of the tradition something to smile about amidst all the grey skies and freezing rain. It’s amazing how much good friends can make you forget about the weather. 😉