Getting Ready, Thanks To Tesco

It's the night before some of our children come home to Czech from college in the States, and we were sorely lacking in one thing before they get here.

So off we went in search of something that was just right.

Yes, we were looking for a tree! Normally we would've had one much earlier, but due to Dave's travels and my sickness this month, it was something that just hadn't been done yet. But we knew it had to be up before they got home!

I remember the search for a Christmas tree when I was a child. It seemed so enchanting, heading to a Christmas tree farm and searching for the perfect one, or even going to the lot in town where they sold them. I have such good memories of those magical days with my family.

But what do you do when your kids are gone and it's just you and your husband searching for a tree? Enchantment is not high on the list. Expediting the process of getting a tree is!

So off to Tesco we went: our "Target" or "Walmart" if you will.

Of course it's kind of enchanting to see the huge vats of carp outside waiting to go home with many Czechs for their Christmas dinner! We didn't get one, but seeing them is always a sign that Christmas is near.

We walked into the fenced off area out front of Tesco and spotted "the one" immediately. The friendly tree man put netting around it for us, we paid, and we were done in less than five minutes. Mission accomplished!

I seriously was giggling as I was taking this photo in front of the big Tesco sign! Who would've thought we'd find the perfect tree here?!

After a few more stops, we finally made it home by 9 and tree trimming commenced. With a little help, of course!

And a little company from these three who were texting as they headed to the airport in Chicago, on their way here for Christmas!! They'll arrive tomorrow evening.

It's the first time in nearly 25 years that I've decorated the tree without the kids. I wasn't sad, just thoughtful and thankful for all those years past, and for sweet memories as I hung meaningful ornaments on the tree like this one: from Caleb and Claire in 2009 after they'd been on a school trip to the Christmas market in Vienna.

By 11 it was done, the living room was clean, and I now feel ready for our kids to come home!

Tyler and Lara won't be with us this year as they're staying in the States, but I'm sure thankful that Caleb, Haley and Claire will be here soon!