You want some real talk?
My kids hate putting up the tree.
We simply aren’t the family you see on social media with mugs of hot cocoa and holiday jingles playing lightly in the background, tossing (homemade) popcorn at each other while giggling happily and decorating our tree.
Nope.
My kids hem and haw around like I asked them to shovel dog poop off the lawn. The middle two will help put the tree together (because I’m not about to pick up the real tree droppings off the floor for a month). The oldest will hook the lights up (pre-lit, yo). And the youngest will wait me out so he gets to put the star on. I can usually also wrestle them to put one of their personal ornaments on the branches before they run off to do something more exciting.
This is not what I thought motherhood was going to be. And when I see everyone’s (or it feels like everyone!) pictures online with their happy families dripping in tinsel, it sucks. I wish we were that family.
I think.
I’ve thought about this a lot today (mostly while I was dripping in tinsel … alone). And you know what I decided? For better or worse, this is my family. And, if I’m being honest, I don’t love putting up the tree either. Maybe we aren’t the heart-warm-iest Christmas-prep clan in the world, but you know what we are? A family. And you know what we will have? Another Christmas of memories once the tree is up.
Even with it half-decorated now (I took a break), the Little Locke #3’s eyes are already twinkling with the holiday spirit. The Littlest Locke is giddy, asking about his Elf on the Shelf. (A story for another day.) The Little Locke #2 sat on the couch with a little air of contentment (and watched me decorate) and, you know what? That’s okay. It’s just how we roll.
Now, quickly, for all of you asking why I don’t make them help—what kind of Christmas spirit is that? Everyone would just be mad in five minutes and I’d rather have it go up in peace and remember that and not how we hate each other the afternoon the tree goes up. Just saying. 😉
I hope your tree went up or is going up and that you have a wonderful holiday. To celebrate, I have a giveaway! See below.
Merry Christmas,
Addy
Thank you! Happy Holidays
This year I had my grandson to help me and he was so excited !
I don’t put up a tree of my own, I have a small one a coworker bought me. I help my cousin every year put hers up after thanksgiving.
This year once again I was ready to put the tree up early, but we lost a family member, so my kids and I don’t really have the want to finish putting it up.
I have followed you on goodreads but for some reason it doesn’t recognise it
Mine love it but hate helping take it down.
I love to put up the tree and I would rather do it myself. I just don’t want other people touching my ornaments or breaking the boxes they come in. I want to place each ornament on the tree and I hate tinsel but my nieces like it so last year that was a compromise for me.
My family is a lot like yours. They will put up their personal ornaments but I put the tree together, add extra lights, the rest of the ornaments and garland. Thank you for the giveaway.
Thank you for the opportunity! Merry Christmas!
Thank you for the sweet giveaway! Our kids are hit and miss. The girls love to help with the tree and all other decorations but my boys will put a couple ornaments on and then escape to their bedroom most years.
Lol….your family sounds EXACTLY like mine!
I love decorating the house and tree . My kidas enjoyed when they were younger ..
My daughter is the same way! She loves the idea of putting up the Christmas tree but when it comes time to actually decorate it, she a little too preoccupied! Lol!!
We are decorating ours tonight. My boys will all want to argue over where to put the ornaments they are five and six 11. Thanks so much for the chance! Merry Christmas ❤️
Our kids are so much alike!!Happy Holidays!
My husband puts up our tree, for 20 years I was the one decorating 2 trees by myself at the restaurant I worked at. I had enough of trees lol. My family isn’t the family you see in the tree decorating Facebook posts either. I really enjoy it once it’s up and I think it improves everyone’s mood ❤️
Were actually getting our tree today. My husband puts the lights on but for some reason I always end up decorating it by myself and taking the decorations down by myself. I don’t mind though I’m kind of picky. The bulbs and ornaments have to be perfect!
Thank you for the chance! Family is what is more important than all the glitz and glitter of the season. Complete love and appreciate the post
We haven’t put ours up yet but will be done by the weekend ❤️
My son is happily married I put my tree up by myself. It’s good though now I can put Christmas music a little louder now. Thank you for the chance.