Our Christmas tree was up since the last week of November. I cannot wait any longer so I put it up early. I love Christmas so much and I love Christmas lights and all kinds of Christmas decorations. This year we used plastic tree and so was last year. My first Christmas in Finland was in 2011. We used the real tree that time. A year after we used plastic tree as I cannot wait. The real Christmas tree here will be sold two weeks before Christmas, and for me that is too long to wait. I know the real tree is so much better as it smells so good and christmassy. Well, there are still many Christmas coming. Maybe next year we will use the real tree.
So this is our tree. Very simple. At first it was all gold, but then I realized it looks so boring in one color, so I added red Christmas balls and some silver ornaments. It looks really pretty the first few hours it was up. Until the toddler girl thinks the ornaments are toys and starts playing the tree as much as she could. When the lights are on, baby girl stayed on the tree and touch the lights. She must love it so much!
This Christmas I am planning to do the Finnish Christmas traditions. This is my third Christmas here in Finland. The last two Christmas all I think about was home, the Filipino Christmas tradition, the food, the mass, the streets full of Christmas lights, my family, my friends, the nine morning masses. This year, I would like to feel at home in the country I have been living for almost three years. This is my home now. I would like to do their traditions. The normal feasts, sauna, family dinner, and then the visits of Santa Claus on Christmas eve. Although Santa Claus won’t be visiting our home this year as our little girl is not that old yet to understand or get excited about santa. But the tradition of giving and opening of presents will be happening for sure, after dinner. I cannot wait. I am so excited about Christmas. I really do not know why. I think everyone does!
P.S. (In Finland, people hire someone to act as Santa Claus to bring gifts to the kids. Hubby was once a Santa before too.)
What are your plans this Christmas?
