Tonight we were 'getting on track' again.  That is what I said this morning when Daddy flew to the States.  Since there would be no more movies with Dad this week and no more evening football games or events we were going to go to bed earlier and get up earlier.  

And stuff like that. 

We cleaned the house today.  And played outside.  And picked out some crafts to make this week.  And ate soup with our leeks. And watched the first Christmas movie. And got out the advent wreath to light tomorrow.  And said the St. Andrew novena.  And a rosary.  And read a story – or four. 

And then.  And then…..  Instead of all that 'getting back on track" Moira and the little girls begged to reeeeaally quickly set up just that first small tree.  Yes, the first.  I have a few of them.  As Dorcas Lane would say, "Christmas trees are my one weakness." (Do go watch the clip.  It is a riot.  I will wait here. ; ))    

They chose the long coveted little white tree we snatched up for a pittance at the thrift shop this fall which will stand in Moira's room.  She was so very excited and brought the little girls up to help her assemble it. At the bottom of the box was a long strand of twinkly white lights which miraculously all still worked.  Out they came too.  

This is as far as we got when Daddy called to say he landed. It truly was past time for bed.  We will get back on track another night.  There is hot chocolate to be stirred and lights to string and memories to be made.

It's going to be a great season. 

Oh Christmas lights, light up the street

Light up the fireworks in me

May all your troubles soon be gone

Oh Christmas lights keep shining on.

– Coldplay