Decorating our Pencil Tree
Although we are spending Christmas in Australia this year, I was adamant that I still wanted to decorate and put up our tree. Mark was reluctant because it involved going down to our storage locker and moving a bunch of stuff around to find the tree. However, I know he is happy now that its up, as he is the first one to turn on the Christmas tree lights each morning! Our tree is super small as we sort of underestimated our space when we bought it. Although it’s a skinny “pencil” tree, I’ve learned to love it. Any bigger and it would block out part of our view! When we move to a bigger place, we will get a big tree (a REAL one!), and use this teeny tree in the foyer or our bedroom! 
We were both a little worried about Hudson (being 8 months old) and having the tree decorated as usual. Luckily he still isn’t super mobile, and we aren’t having to chase around after him yet. He LOVES to sit next to the tree and play with his toys. He loves looking at the lights, and we have only had to pull him away a couple of times because he was trying to eat the branches. Next year it will be a completely different situation, as he will be running around and probably trying to knock it over. We are enjoying the peace while it lasts!
Mark bought this ornament for me last Christmas before Hudson was born. We hadn’t shared our name with anyone yet, but had already decided we would be naming our little boy Hudson. He also bought a small stocking with the letter “H” on it. But it’s so tiny, I think it was meant to be a stocking for a pet. So sweet anyways, we can’t wait to experience Hudson’s 1st Christmas! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
Since we have spent many years celebrating Christmas on a cruise ship, I am extra grateful when we get to spend it at home, or visiting our family. Christmas on the ship just wasn’t the same. I am so excited about spending this Christmas with our family in Sydney, Australia. It will be very different than what we are used to here in Canada or even England. It’ll be a Summer Christmas! Instead of Turkey Dinner we will have Shrimp on the BBQ! 
Have you put up your tree yet? How early is too early? I was ready as soon as Halloween finished. I love decorating and putting up the Christmas tree, but putting away the tree in January is never something I look forward to…
