December 10, 2010- “O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum!”

     The smell of a Washington Evergreen tree fills my house tonight and makes me want to sing “O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How Lovely Are Your Branches,” except every time I sing that song, I remember it partially in German and partially in English. :) That’s about all I remember from German class in high school, but I did love that class. Awaiting outside my front door when I arrived back from all my errands after work was not only a live Christmas tree (ordered through the high school students who use the sales as a fundraiser), but also a lovely wreath (from my very own boy scouts).  I’ve never had a live tree before, and I am so excited! I called my boyfriend (who is coming down tomorrow for the weekend) to see if he wanted to help me decorate, and he informed me (being from one of those families who always went out and cut down their own Christmas tree-I always wanted to do that!) that I need to cut the base of the tree first and put it in sugar water. Well, not sure what to cut the base with or how, so for now, my tree is sitting in its stand, bound, awaiting expert help to set it up properly.  I can’t wait to unfold its branches and decorate it tonight. Maybe it seems silly, but as I’ve said before, it really is the little things that make all the difference.  This home, a more positive atmosphere at work, a live tree during the holidays, quality time with your children, those are the things that make life so much richer, at least for me.  It’s not money or fame or power, the size or your home, or the make and model of your car that makes anyone happy and truly content. It’s being with loved ones. It’s enjoying what you have. It’s making the most of your job, whatever it is. It’s growth and positive change, insight, and reflection on how we can reach our potentials and make a difference in the world that gives us a sense of purpose and peace, nothing else. I hope for you this holiday season that you are content in your circumstances, no matter how challenging they may be, that you are operating with a positive mindset through your trials, that you are growing in character and being refined by fire so that you may know what love is, how good life can be, and so that God continue His good work in you. Happy Holidays: joy, peace, and love to you all!