Twas the night before Christmas and in the Waters’ house no Christmas tree stood – it was still in the box!

I don’t suppose it will be, but here we are at December 6th and no tree has appeared.  We have a nice tree – an artificial (so Phil will tell me I can’t call it a tree) one for sure but it does look nice once it is up and decorated.  If you want to see a real tree you can visit Phil’s blog and see “George” being chosen and KILLED!

Is there a right time to put up the Christmas tree?  Family tradition plays a large role – some not putting up the tree until Christmas Eve as they keep the suspense and awe for the entire family.  Others see putting the tree up in the house as marking the festivities – using it to mark the beginning of holiday spirit!

I love anything that keeps the suspense up for the kids.  Too much of of the wonder of Christmas is lost in the commercialization of the holiday.  With Merry Christmas being replaced by Happy Holiday the essence of the season is being lost or at least diluted.  As a Christian holiday it has not been “protected” by the Christian Church.  I offer this comparison – if Ramadan was, or is ever, in danger of simply being a time of commercial vacation my guess is that Muslims would not be willing to let it slide.  (Just a thought)

What do you think – are we losing Christmas as a religious holiday?  Should it matter?  What’s the value of Christmas to us?


And what about people who kill trees?  Just kidding Phil!