The Christmas tree has been the biggest challenge to me this year.  I'd always grown up with artificial trees and two years ago I was blessed to have my first real tree (courtesy of the Henning Farm)... it was so perfect and I decided then that I would never go back to artificial if I could help it.  Move forward to years and my shopping for a real tree in Indianapolis.  I was spoiled with the earlier tree that I didn't have to pay for - they are darn expensive!  Plus, not only do I have to pay for the tree, but also the food to keep it alive until Christmas and the misc. other accessories that keep (and clean up after) a live Christmas tree.  I spent a week trying to make it a reality but when I was left to face reality, I just couldn't swing it... I got a pretty pathetic Christmas tree that's become... well... pretty.

It's also a good reminder to me that Christmas isn't about the trees or the decorations – I enjoy those things but I can't let them distract me or take the joy out of the real meaning of the holiday.  When I look at my Christmas tree this year, I need to remember that it doesn't take a lot to create something beautiful... and some of the most beautiful things started from very humble beginnings...

... like a baby born in a manger...