Should it really be this simple?

I’ll admit, I’m typically much more comfortable inside a house with heat, air conditioning, and INDOOR plumbing. Lol

But, when I was a little girl, I would count the days until our family’s annual visit to Christmas Tree Valley. 

There was something absolutely ENCHANTING about putting on our heavy coats, pulling on our mud boots, and heading for the tiny, rural town of Catawissa, Missouri.

Our first stop was always the outdoor nativity, made up of an ODD collection of mannequins surrounded by live animals swishing their tails to Christmas songs. 

That nostalgic scene with the “tinny” sounds of the outdoor speakers playing in the background… still WARMS my heart. 

I know, I know… it sounds cheesier than the Hallmark Channel! But somehow, it became one of the highlights of my Christmas traditions.

Walking the Missouri hills and breathing in the country air, while looking for the perfect cedar tree, was like an injection of PURE holiday cheer! 

After the tree was cut down, we carried it (for what seemed like miles) back to the car. Then, we’d head for the little lodge. 

“Shack” is probably a more appropriate description, with its unfinished concrete floors and freezing outdoor potties. 

There was always the happiest Santa, a marionette puppet show, a dollhouse display, Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate, and a BIG round stone fireplace in the middle of the room because there was no heat.

(I just sighed and smiled, remembering that.)

Not expensive.

Not high-tech.

Definitely not sophisticated. 

But to me, those Christmases were unforgettable and positively… MAGICAL! 

Wishing you and your family, many NEW traditions and MORE magical Christmas memories to come!

Nicole

_______________________________________

I’ve told you mine. Now, tell me one of YOUR favorite Christmas memories from your childhood.