Snowflakes on the Tree

Our Christmas tree this year is a Grand Fir, taken from one of our stands. The stand was planted in 1984 and thus is 29 years old, so the tree was just a bit too large for our spot. After we cut the whole tree down, we lopped off about 20' or so of the top and hauled just that portion inside. Our trees grow so quickly, particularly as they get older, so the tops tend to be tall and thin with widely-spaced branches. That suited Corinne just fine because it meant fewer places to string lights. It only took about 2.5 hours to string them and stand the tree up.

As a separate winter activity, we folded and cut paper snowflakes. We hadn't done that in many years, and we all had a good time. Corinne read an article online that had some interesting pattern ideas, but the most useful part was to fold in quarters then thirds to create 6 pointed snowflakes.

As you have probably guessed by the title, the two projects did not end up separate after all. We ironed each snowflake, attached a string and a hook, and decorated our tree entirely with paper snowflakes.

One of the snowflakes below has Anders's special touch. Can you guess which one?

Here is the tree, in all its splendor.

We think our tree is awesome. When I say we, though, I am referring to me and Corinne. Anders, on the other hand, thinks "the tree isn't very interesting with just snowflakes." We left it in its pristine state for as long as we could, but this afternoon we added a select set of additional, non-snowflake ornaments. It is still beautiful. But as far as Corinne and I are concerned, we will remember this year's tree just as it was last night. Awesome.

As we tuck Anders in to bed tonight... well, let me rephrase that. As we force Anders into his bed tonight, we ask if he is tired. His response sums up the childhood Christmas Eve experience: "I am half tired and half energy."

Have an awesome Christmas, everyone!

- Mike, Corinne and Anders