Tree Master in the Making

Bruce is THE [self-proclaimed] Christmas tree master. He says when he was younger he would set up 2 or 3 trees a year because people would want his help - and they'd ask him to come back year after year (his sign that he's a master: regular customers). Hey, I'm all for it because it means I can sit with my cup of hot cocoa, unwrapping the balls and handing them to the "master" to hang.

But there's a new sheriff in town.



This is Elijah's first year to play such a big role in the tree decorating, and Bruce let him just go for it. And go at it he did -- he was quick! Five minutes flat and he had all the balls on the tree.



With some words of instruction or guidance along the way.



It was really cute though because ALL the ornaments were at the 3 foot and under mark, and many of them grouped together on the same branches. I just loved this one:

There is a serious lack of Christmas decoration selection here, so our tree topper is a cross-shaped ornament but Elijah got to do the honors. With some help from Dad of course.

It's really sweet to see Bruce releasing his tree perfectionisms to let Elijah go at it and explore in his own ways.

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Elijah and Mom made our first batch of Christmas sugar cookies for the season. Unfortunately I've only been able to find pink and blue food coloring here, so they look more like Independence day cookies - but we had fun!

And mom got to release some of her cookie-making perfectionisms to let the [almost] 3 year old help roll, cut, bake, ice and decorate. It's about the journey and the fun along the way, not the final product, right?