Flashback Friday — Christmas past and present

Flashback 18 years today to Catherine’s very first Christmas. Naturally, we were much more excited about it than she was.

All dressed up for some Christmas fun.

While she napped, I ran to the gas station down the street, picked up a small tree and had Basil haul it into our little rented condo.

Then at warp speed we strung the lights, hung the ornaments … and waited for her to wake up.

As soon as we heard her stir, we plucked her from the crib and brought her into the living room, illuminated only by the glow of the tree’s small white lights.

It was magical.

I can still see her chubby little face, eyes filled with wonder as she sat on the floor and gazed up at this twinkly thing that wasn’t in the room before her nap.

Yesterday, she helped decorate the tree, singing Christmas carols, dancing around the living room, remembering the stories attached to our eclectic collection of ornaments.

That was magical, too.

Decking the halls, 2014 edition.