The Christmas Tree Is Up

After much debate whether to go potted small or chopped medium, Andy decided to go with a medium chopped Christmas Tree after all. Last year we opted for a small potted tree that we put up on the side table, which usually houses his antique- looking radio, CD and record player.

This year we debated which tree to pick. The main question was what are the odds of the tree surviving Christmas intact and in upright position, with no Mariposa barking or eating glass ornaments incidents, and without any conceivable mischiefs by Ivan?

I was a bit surprised when Andy came home with a chopped tree. Let's see what happens. It's all part of Christmas fun.

He did, however, buy a bag of shatter-resistant balls. They're golden, in different sizes and textures. They look nice, not tacky or cheap as one would expect shatter-resistant balls to look. I, however, could not help myself but comment that silver ornaments would look better with blue lights we put up than golden ones.

The tree laid unattended in the gargage for two days, because we had all fallen sick in the meantime (that's another post). This afternoon Andy brought the tree in and placed it in its tree holder. Surprisingly enough it was a rather smooth, clean and needle-free operation.

Ivan was taking a nap during this time. When he woke up, we were curious what was he going to say about the tree. We were expecting many "ooohhhs." But to our disappointment he seemed more concerned about the fact that we moved a lamp to accommodate the tree. He kept pointing to the space where the lap usually stands, saying "da?" His word for light.

He touched the tree, but didn't really care for it. Then we smelled it a bit. Although I wonder whether he could really smell it considering his nose if full of snot.

Mariposa, however, decided on her traditional "who's this intruder and what is he doing here" bark. Fun, fun. fun.

Later, when the branches opened up, we brought out the Christmas paraphenalia, including many strings of "da." Ivan was in "da" heaven. First we tried to prevent him from touching the lights because as he himself knows, the lights are "hot, hot," which to him means both hot and dangerous (ever since he touched the lamp in the back yard), but then when that failed, we had him help us hold and unravel the lights. He was really eager to help. It was cute.

The Christmas lights are blue, my favorite lights color.

Then Andy and I decided to put up a string of piped lights in the arch between the living and dining room. We taped it up with that heavy, duty silver tape. But now a few hours later, the tape gave way and the lights fell down. Oh well.

After Ivan went to bed, as did Andy, who also fell asleep putting Ivan to bed, I've tidied up a bit and decorated the tree. I put up the shatter-resistant ornaments. Mariposa was observing me rather inquisitively. She was probably thinking, "yeah, right, mommy, like that's going to prevent me from chomping on a few."

I usually put up a metal golden Christmas Tree with colorful ornaments on the chest in the dining room, where we normally keep fruit and which is totally in Ivan's hand range and who brings up a piece of fruit when he wants to eat one. This time I opted against it. Too much temptation for Ivan.

I can't wait to see his expression in the morning when he sees the tree decorated with ornaments.