Every year since we met (with a couple exceptions…sometimes I suck at keeping up traditions), Mark and I have given each other an ornament.  Often, the ornament reflects a theme of the year, or a season in our lives.  Sometimes, it’s just cute or silly or pretty. The first Christmas after we were married, I slogged my way through a bout of major depression.  And I mean Major.  I boycotted the holidays.  I didn’t want a tree.  Mark and his sister both took a day off work, got a tree and decorated the house while I was at work. I […]

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If you are a radical Environmentalist, please stop reading.  Skip this post and come back on Thursday. ….waiting….waiting….. OK, they’re gone. It’s safe. Me: “Hi.  My name is Christine, and I’m a Tree-cutter.” You: “Hi, Christine!” Every year, we visit a local tree farm and cut our own real pine christmas tree. In my head, this happens on the day after Thanksgiving.  I think we’ve actually hit that schedule a grand total of once.  This year.   But growing up, the Day After Thanksgiving = Holy Tree Acquisition Day, so in my imagination, that’s still when we get the tree. […]

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