Monday, November 16, 2009

Is It That Time Already?

November 16th and our Christmas tree is up already. Sandy decorated it Saturday; our time is going to be limited over the next several weeks, and as plans to go away this weekend changed this was the best time to do it.

Christmas in Canada seems more of a big deal than it is in the US. For my friends in the States (hey all you crazy Americans!) this would be the equivalent of your Thanksgiving. To elaborate, Thanksgiving in Canada is somewhat understated; one of the biggest things we're thankful for at this time of year is that we're not up to our asses in snow yet.

As appears to be the case every year there didn't seem to be enough lights for the tree. Or the right kind. Why this happens I'm not entirely sure; it's as if something comes along during the year and hides or replaces everything. In reality it's just that our tastes seem to change somewhat from year to year. So it was off to the store.

Man there's some cheesy crap out there. Most of it manufactured by companies and people who quite obviously haven't been exposed to Christmas in North America. Unfortunately, most of it is bought by North Americans who seem not to have been exposed to it either. Or have forgotten that a white tree covered entirely with fuscia decorations doesn't exactly scream Ho-Ho-Ho. More like a Ho-Ho-whole lotta tacky. Oh well, to each their own I guess. We try to decorate tastefully, as an example the picture at top is something we do each year (Sandy put it together).

So yesterday we were cleaning up leaves on the front lawn and putting lights in the shrubs. It won't be too long I suppose before the snow comes, I'm really not looking forward to it. However weather-permitting we'll be making the trip up North to visit Sandy's sister and her family for Christmas. It'll be the first time since we've been together (seventeen years) that we'll be celebrating Christmas with kids. Should be interesting. I'm not looking forward to making the trip itself, but once we're there it should be enjoyable. A couple pics from the weekend:

Why rake the lawn when you can rake the tree?

Sandy doing the Christmas lights (she has way more patience with this stuff than I do)

7 comments:

  1. I put up our Christmas tree last week of September before I left for my US trip. Our tradition is to have the tree up after All Saints Day which is the 1st week of November but since my flight home is on the 2nd week of Nov, I put up the tree early. I want my kids to feel Chrismassy even when I'm gone.

    Yes, christmas is a big thing in the Philippines too. The malls are adorned with Christmas decors as early as October.

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  2. thank you so so much for your lovely comment
    it was so nice to hear, i really appreciate it
    keep up the blog, its going so well!

    -cma
    check out my blog @
    cosmicaroline.blogspot.com

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  3. "one of the biggest things we're thankful for at this time of year is that we're not up to our asses in snow yet."
    HAHAHAHA! You always crack me up, Barry. :)

    I'm pretty excited about Christmas this year. I'm not sure why. It's never really that much fun at my house. I haven't spent a Christmas with kids since...well, since I was a kid. LOL. I'm an only child and my extended family all lives out in Chicago. So its just me and my parents every Christmas...kinda boring and always a headache. Sigh.
    I hope yours is a lot of fun. Hopefully the kids and all their excitement will rub off on you two. ;)

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  4. PS. I like the photo of you raking the tree. Too cute!

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  5. aww!! I used to enjoy putting up all the decorations when I was a kid. I can't wait til I have an apartment one day & can do the decorating how I want. Ooo you go all out & decorate outside!! I give you credit. Haha raking the trees. That's cute. Glad that you guys are really getting into the spirit of this year. =)

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  6. Hey Barry, I guess you read my comment on Valerie's blog about that DIY. Yes, I did that and it was so yeah naughty. I can't wear it outside the house. My kids were like, "mom don't ever go out of the house with that holed shirt. you're grounded." I'll try to make another one, but this time the holes will remain at the back.

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  7. You're right ... I can't wait til Christmas this year! That time of the year is my favorite. I appreciate your comment on my blog, and don't worry; I'm not offended that you spelled my name wrong on Jennifer's blog! :)

    Sydnie
    www.takemeouttotherunway.blogspot.com

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