The Riefer tree

I like our old tree. It has holes in it where branches thinned and half the pine cones are chipped or loose. It's covered in too many ornaments of all kinds and shapes and sizes, because it's tradition for each kid to receive a new ornament each year. Seven kids over an 21 year span of time, plus parent ornaments. Every year, for as long as I can remember, Dad brings up the old, beat up box, and we start sorting branches into piles across the room, while he clips them in and we do the "fluffing." Daddy skillfully untangles the lights from his strategized looping from last year, and we all stand back to admire with pride when the crooked star is set in place at the top.

Also, during construction, we dance, to the Gaither Christmas video.

-and Mother makes hot cocoa -

It's the Riefer tree.