The Christmas tree went up today. Tomorrow will be the remainder of the house. Please note, this is the earliest we have ever put the tree up. A very auspicious occasion.
My husband has had a strong tradition of not wanting to put up a tree until after church on the 4th Sunday of Advent. States that Advent is a somewhat penitential season. A thoughtful season. A season of preparation and Christmas trees and other greenery are not part of that preparation.
I on the other hand like my tree up right after Thanksgiving. Gives me a full month of enjoying the greens, the reds and the glow of the tree lights.
So we compromise. The tree goes up a little later than the weekend after Thanksgiving but much earlier than the last Advent Sunday. We also keep it up for the entire 12 days of Christmas. It does not come down until Epiphany. Uh Uh. No way.
Keep in mind we have always had real trees. When Epiphany comes around we have kindling sitting in our front room. No sparks, candles or hot thoughts can come close.
So tonight we have Christmas lights glowing softly in the living room. Fresh pine permeates the air upstairs.
I think we are in preparation.