We just finished decorating the most beautiful Christmas tree ever. Really.
When our kids were small, they each got to choose where most ornaments would hang on our Christmas tree. We’d listen to Christmas carols and drink eggnog…our very traditional tradition. When we finished, we’d turn off all the room lights and just gaze at the most beautiful tree, ever. Every year was always that tree.
We have so many sweet memories of all those wonderful Christmas trees and thoughts of all the traditions we keep as a family. This year, though, my husband and I decorated our tree alone…the last time was only because our kids weren’t born. This year was the first in a very long time that none of our kids were here to help.
So, we’re starting new traditions, my husband and I. While this will be the 30th Christmas we get to spend together, we have years ahead to decorate trees. This year, though, we got to put the ornaments just where we wanted (though, to be honest, most ended up where they always do!) Empty nest? Not us. We’re skating out towards a brand-new adventure; excited to relive the wonderful joy of our early marriage and how we were a couple long before we were ever parents…of how much richer our lives and love has become over the years.
Looking at it right now, I know it’s the most beautiful Christmas tree, ever!
This is so beautifully written – I loved it!!
Thank you, Sue
Hi – I stumbled across your blog thru my old high school friend Tony Ochoa – (Team Goobie on Twitter) and I thought that this posting was one of the most lovely, meaningful paragraphs written – my husband and I have 20 + years in – and we are constantly reminding ourselves to be the “couple” we once were….because we will be again very soon. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you, Melanie. Tony’s a great guy
I know so many that fear being alone … empty nest is scary. My husband and I really do enjoy spending time alone; makes us feel young and very, very happy!