After about 7 to 10 days of this we finally decide that the first tree we eyed up on the first day out is the one . After a couple of cups of coffee, and dragging at least fifteen boxes of decorations out of the attic, the tree stand is set up. It usually takes a couple of test runs before we get the tree cut to the right length. Anyway, after two or three attempts to get it the perfect ceiling height, we lop off the top foot and it seems to go right up. Then comes the project of sorting and making sure the lights all work, and it's inevitable that even when you do test them there will be one set that won't work once on the tree.
Tree decorating usually takes about two days to complete.
It's always great to unwrap all of the ornaments and remember when you hung them on the tree as a kid, or see the first set of ornaments you bought the year you were married. We have some other fantastic things that happen here at Moose Lake over the Holiday Season. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing with friends, sledding with the kids, and baking all those tasty holiday foods to share and enjoy. One neighbor makes a delicious cheesecake, another homemade bread, others jars of fruit preserves or cookies. It's a warm feeling of sharing and caring.