the First Christmas must be perfect! or not.

In the continuing saga of Sylvia's sinuses and the hunt for a Christmas tree that doesn't offend said cavities, it is Trees, 2, Sylvia, 0.  Sean won't even try a third tree, but when I suggested a fake one, his initial reaction was "speaking of an abomination!"   He has since come around to seeing it as an option.  And so, after Christmas, when they are slightly less crazy-expensive, we will be on the hunt for a tree for next year.  Or we may just get a palm tree - or, maybe an olive tree! :)

I keep telling myself that the tradition of a coniferous Christmas Tree in the house is a rather new one, so I really don't need it.  Still, I deeply, desperately want it.  Why?  Well, in order to hang the ornaments that friends have given us for this First Christmas as a married couple, one of them personalized with our names.  And then, there is a box of ornaments from Sean's childhood, and a small box of my ornaments that I've gradually collected and carried with me across the country...

But here is what has been working: Advent.  I seem able to tolerate a lovely little (real!) advent wreathe.  And when we read the devotional, and light the candles, and re-remember the One we celebrate, it feels perfect.

Originally, this table was just for the advent wreathe, but then it accumulated stuff: the tree-top angel sans tree, some gifts from friends and violin students, and a plant I'm attempting to kill - I mean, rehabilitate!