O Christmas Tree!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! We went Monday to get our tree and spent the afternoon going through the whole routine--lights, ornaments, and finally, the manger. Tradition holds that Cody chooses the tree. He chose the first one we saw. And we all agreed it was the best possible choice. And there were many to choose from...

Cody got his pliers to help remove the netting before "helping" Daddy with the lights.

Accordingly, Cordelia tottered off to fetch her red screwdriver. None of us (including her) were entirely sure why, but she was undeterred. And, helpful.

Next, Patches got to meet the tree.

Look at that head of hair. Have you ever seen anything like her?

Here we are, hanging ornaments. And below, the annual unwrapping of the manger! It was more unruly this year than ever.

Cordelia showed no mercy to the "sweet, sweet animals." She retrieved them all from their positions in the manger, much to Cody's chagrin, and then turned all the little boxes into hoppers, stuffing in all the sheep and donkeys, then dumping them back out. "Donkey! DUMP IT! Wise MAN! DUMP IT!"

Cody explained to his sister that the cradle was empty because we were "still waiting for Baby Jesus to get born, so in the meantime, this little lamb will sleep in the cradle and keep it warm for Him." The lamb awaiting the Lamb. (He later told Jonathan that probably the "sweet, sweet lamb" would really get comfortable in the cradle, and would probably just stay there once Jesus did get born, and Jesus wouldn't mind just sleeping on the floor of the manger. There would be plenty of wise men to keep him company. And a camel.)

And amazingly enough, Santa loaned his "very own sleigh" to the nursery until he needs it on Christmas Eve, so that we could all take a turn sitting in it? "Wasn't that so kind of him?" marveled Cody. Cordelia wasn't much impressed.

"Shoe! Take off it!"

"Coco! Get off you!"

Indeed it was kind. Thanks, St. Nick.