The hanging of the tree

Today we decorated our tree. This is the first year we haven't had a real one, and while the smell of the "real" tree will be greatly missed, I do have to admit that the ease of the "fake" one is already enjoyed. And it's funny how the branches on this one are so much stronger than the real ones. Or maybe it's just the fact that in the past, we've always gotten "charlie brown" type trees. Regardless...it looks awesome!

And as Christmas approaches and we hear of family members who's health are diminishing more and more, the season is taking on a whole new meaning. It'll be a total bittersweet "holiday". On the one hand we have the joy of Ishaq's birth and showing him off to family and friends who haven't been able to see him. But on the flipside, this may be the one and only time they do see him.

I keep complaining that this won't be "christmas". It'll be different and it won't be any fun for the kids. But lately I've been thinking that that's okay. It will be different. It'll likely be sad. But there will be joy there too. And that's something that we'll just have to hold on to.