'Tis the season......to trim the tree.

I can hardly believe that it is already time to decorate for Christmas again. Every year it seems to come sooner than the year before. I know that isn't a reality but time goes so fast. The month of November was definitely a new experience, living here in Vegas for the most part (it was 74 degrees today). Larry had knee surgery this month so he has been able to spend quite a bit of time at home and on the road with me. We made a trip to Ogden in the middle of the month so I could complete my coaching visits with the new teachers I work with. We also spent quite a bit of time with my children and grandchildren while there. We even had Thanksgiving dinner--just a week and half early. I really enjoyed having all the kids and grandchildren there. Thanks to all of you for making an effort to be there. Since Garrett came down with chicken pox just before Thanksgiving, that was the only turkey Ryan's family got this year. We spent a very quiet Thanksgiving here in Vegas with me, Larry, Jeff and Steve. Later Larry and I went to see Twilight.
Now one of my long time traditions has been to go shopping on Black Friday. This year was no exception. Larry was a trooper and got up and went shopping with me. I didn't really need anything but I enjoy the hustle and bustle of the biggest shopping day of the year. Call me crazy. We were smart in that we didn't leave the house at 7:00 am--after all the door opening mob scenes.
Then it was time to get out the Christmas tree and get it decorated. We had purchased new ornaments in new colors for the tree so I was pretty excited to see if the vision in my mind would actually match the finished decorating project. I must say, we did a pretty good job. We also revamped the very large wreath that has been adorning the stairway wall each Christmas (and from what I hear, some years even longer). Larry took pictures to share.

Christmas is my very favorite time of year for many reasons. I love giving gifts to my family. I love watching others out shopping for gifts for their loved ones. I love the reason we celebrate the season--the birth of our Savior. I love the memories and traditions of the many past Christmases in my life. I love the smells, the lights, the colors that represent Christmas. And yes, I even love the freshly fallen snow that comes during this season, at least in Ogden.
Even though this may be a little early, I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a wonderful new year.