The search for the Christmas tree was part of the celebration itself. Long before the ornaments were unpacked, Christmas began with walking among the evergreens and searching for the right tree. Looking back, some of my favorite Christmas memories were made before the tree ever came home.
Christmas arrived a little at a time in our house. Boxes of ornaments were opened, lights were hung, and familiar decorations appeared in every room. Little by little, the house began to feel different, and we knew Christmas was on its way.
Each December, Christmas cards began to fill the wide doorway between our dining room and living room. As more cards arrived, the display grew larger and more beautiful. To me, those cards became part of Christmas itself.
The smells coming from Mom's kitchen were part of Christmas. Fruitcake, chocolate chess pie, buckeyes, and other family favorites filled the house with warmth and anticipation. Long before Christmas Day arrived, we could taste that something special was on its way.