Getting in the holiday spirit

The holiday spirit has finally found its way to our house. After waiting a little bit to get our tree in hopes it wouldn’t shed every pine needle before the big day, we have a fully decorated pine awaiting Santa’s gifts.

Like we have done the past few years, we headed to Lowe’s in Altoona to select our tree. I know, I know. It isn’t a tree farm where we would walk in search of the perfect tree to cut down and take idealistic photos documenting the day. Before having kids, my husband and I tried that and ended up with trees that cost way too much and weren’t strong enough to hold a paper ornament. Every family has their own traditions and Lowe’s is ours.

After deciding to strap the tree to the top of my car last year, my husband measured his SUV and realized we could fit the tree in the back if we put the seat down and drove home with a few sprigs next to my head.

It was a cold, night but we went through the tree selection until the girls found the perfect one for our house. This year, they wanted a tall tree and even though I found a few that were a bit fuller and more shapely, we went with the girls pick.

After getting it wrapped up, we shoved it in the vehicle, with the girls giggling that they got to sit next tree. When we got home, we set the tree up, filled its water dish and let it settle throughout the night before decorating it.

The next night, we ventured to the store to do “family shopping.” To shop for each other, one kiddo goes with me and the other with their dad and we buy for the opposite family member. After making our purchases, we switch kiddos and do it all over again.

As fun as it sounds, shopping with a six and seven year old is a little more difficult than it sounds. Trying to find presents their dad might like and stay within a budget can be a challenge. I think next year we’ll make out a list to go off of, or at least to point us in the right direction, since my youngest kept trying to buy a shower cleaner.

At the end of the night, they each had purchased the perfect gifts, in their minds, and were trying really hard not to spill the beans of what they selected.

We also stopped by the pet store to get a few gifts for the cats and Homer. The cats recently started to take apart the tree they have had for the past year, so a new model was on the list. I have to say, it is crazy to me how much cat trees can cost, so we settled on a modest model with a few cat perches and a cubby for them to lie in.

For Homer, we picked out a new Kong for him to eat peanut butter and treats from and a taco toy that squeaks. I’m sure he’ll love it.

Saturday morning, as soon as the girls woke up, we started in on the tree. We began by stringing the lights and then the girls placed the ornaments, each in the “perfect” spot, until it was “just right.” The final touch was adding tinsel to give the tree a beautiful shine.

The rest of the decorations for the house soon followed and now the house is glowing with reds and greens, silvers and golds. The weekend wrapped up with a trip to the Des Moines Civic Center to see “Disney’s Aladdin” on the stage. With my mom along for the day, we were dazzled by the costumes, songs and, of course, the magic carpet, as Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie and the many supporting cast members performed before our eyes. Bringing the girls with my mom to shows at the Civic Center, like she did with me, is a tradition I hope to continue for many years to come.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at jpierson@newtondailynews.com