Sunday, December 11, 2011

First Christmas

It has been a busy week. Ken and I finally decided that we wanted to stay here together for Christmas, with Duncan and the cats, and start our own tradition rather than separate and go home for the holidays as usually happens. So we decided that in in honor of our first Christmas back together after a two year separation we'd go all out. We bought our first Christmas tree since 2005, dragged out all the decorations we've amassed over the past sixteen years, and have spent our free time making the apartment look as though the North Pole exploded all over it. Duncan and the cats have been quite patient and well-behaved. There have been no incidents involving the digestion of tinsel or marking of the tree. In fact, Pip, Olive and Winnie have spent much of their time laying peacefully under the tree gazing up at the lights and shadows among the thick branches. Duncan was initially a bit unsure of the Santa I put up in the window but he seems to have come to terms with his presence here.


We even put up the Christmas village my grandmother hand-painted. And Ken had the great idea of stringing icicle lights around the edge of the ceiling in the kitchen so they look like stars shining over it.


This Christmas will be the first in my life I haven't been home with my family in Idaho but I'm looking forward to the time with Ken and the new traditions we'll start together. Duncan will miss running across Mom's mountain and watching the herds of deer as they move across her yard under the pale Idaho moon, but we'll find a way to make it up to him.


I have no doubt there is love enough in this home to make up for all the things that will be missed.

9 comments:

Lori Whitwam said...

Despite my Grinchy heart, even I think that's lovely. Hope you, Ken, Duncan, Olive, Winnie, and Pip have the most magical holiday ever. You can plan a trip to Idaho later... sometimes it's good just to be "home" and celebrate all you mean to each other. :-)

Berts Blog said...

WE think you have done a wonderful job in bringing the spirit of Christmas into your home. It looks like a wonderland and even though you won't be with your other families, you all have each other.

Sometimes it is good to start a new tradition.

Happy Holidays
bert

Miguel said...

The tree looks great. Ok, everything does. Now we have to get our butts in gear and decorate!

Mrs. Applebaume said...

Holy Cow, this is lovely. I am so glad to see those decorations out and celebrating. Well done.

GOOSE said...

Holy Cow it all looks great! I think it is a great idea to stay home. While I am sure you wiss somethings, just think of all the wonderful new tradtions and memories that will be made.
Blessings,
Goose

Maxmom said...

Oh Wow, Curt!
What a beautiful post suggesting all the new beginnings of the love and joy associated with Christmas.
(It brought tears to my eyes)
May you both have a happy, peaceful and joyous festive season. Thank you so much for all your love and support over the past months. It is a pleasure being your 'cyber-friend'
With love
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

Sierra Rose said...

The decorations are just beautiful! Cheers to new traditions! Warm holiday wishes to all there :)

Big hugs,
Sierra Rose

Finn said...

Everything looks beautiful!! Enjoy this special Christmas!

Valerie Cummings said...

Oh it looks so beautiful and how wonderful to start your new tradition!!!! Merry Christmas my dear friend, Hugs Valerie