Hanging the Bells

This was the first year that Miles really helped trim the Christmas tree.  He really got into it.  It was delightful to see him react to the ornaments and choose a special place for each one. (He really liked the bottom left corner of the tree.)

 He loved digging into the box of bells.  He was delighted to have bells just like Santa.  We were able to discuss the tradition that Chris and I have of hanging them on the tree each year for the past 10 Christmases.  At our wedding, we had bells on each of the tables and asked people to write messages on them.  They were rung as we left the reception.  We've left the tags on them and read them as they are placed on the tree.  It's fun to see people's advice and expressions.

Please note the missile-toe in the background.  (It's been up since last year.) 

We came across my childhood stocking and used it for it's original intended purpose.  

Thank goodness for the stairs or we'd never reach the top of the tree.

Chris still had to do the top of the tree.