Did you know that scent is one of the most powerful forces to the human mind? It is. Think of your childhood. Ever caught a scent on the breeze that reminded you of home? A special meal? A season? Scent memory is so powerful. As are pregnancy hormones. Crazy combo, let me assure you. I have the nose of a bloodhound right now. NOTHING escapes my notice...which is not always a good thing.
Anyway, Christmas is coming and I NEED the smell of Christmas. I need my daughter to know the smell of Christmas. She won't possibly be able to remember the toys she gets (aside from the 12,000 pictures of them), the songs sung or even the decor - but she will remember the smell of Christmas...IF, that is, we provide it for her. That means a REAL Christmas tree. Yes! Now, I dearly love my mom and dad. I love the memories I have of Christmases past, but I find an increasing hatred of their beloved fake tree. I've put this tree together, from it's home crammed in a box in the attic soooo many times. I cannot do it this year. I cannot abide the sad, pokey tree - all plastic, fake and shameful in it's attempt at the grandeur of a God-made tree. I just can't do it. I cannot move past it's musty, plasticy smell. I just cant. This year, there must be a real tree. It doesn't have to be big, just real and smell divine.
I must say, I cannot remember being this excited about Christmas since I was a kid. My daughter's first Christmas. I don't care if I ever get another gift again in my life - I just want to live through her Christmases, her excitement and her wonder of it all for as long as I can.
Bring on Christmas, music and live trees. We have the wonder of a child to watch.
Yes, please!