Don't worry, Moms, we got a Christmas tree.

Both Mom S. and Mom T. were incredibly worried about the fact that we might not be getting a Christmas tree. But it's okay, because we did. And below is the proof. (For more proof, as always, you can check out these pictures on facebook. Click here).

The original reason why we weren't going to get a Christmas tree was because we were uncertain whether or not it would be the best use of our money to get a tree when some of our neighbors can't afford food. So we compromised and got a cheap tree with a gift card left over from our wedding (Hooray for gift cards), and we bought some groceries for our neighbors instead. Anyway, I've digressed. Here are some pictures. =)

First of all, we didn't realize that our camera had a video recorder. Here is the video of us finding out (and there is sound. Oh, yes, there is sound):

And the adventure begins. This is the first tree farm Luke and I went to, Butler's Orchard in Maryland. It was good to get out of the city and fun to see the different Christmas decorations at Butler's, but the trees were small, round and way too expensive. So we just walked around and picked up tree scraps to decorate the house with later.
This was one tree that Luke and I decided that we could afford.
It was really cold. But we were happy anyways.

A huge, cute hayman at Butler's Orchard.

Our final tree selection, which we believe is just as good (if not better) than any of the trees that were twice the price at Butler's.


Isn't it cute?


The decorating music of choice (I told you I was born in the wrong decade.)


The dinner of choice (with yummy alfredo sauce!)


And, of course, it was snowing. How picture perfect.


Luke putting the Christmas lights on the tree. Notice the cup. It will turn into an angel later in front of your very eyes.


The cup.


Voila!


She's not scared. She's singing. I think she's cute. Luke says "She's just not the kind of cute you want your kids to be..."


Pretty excited about Christmas.


Here are some glimpses from around our apartment.


The whole window.


The tree (without ornaments).



Our international advent wreath from Mom and Dad S. We will also one day have an international nativity scene, but we accidentally left it in Mebane, so it'll make it's first appearance in the Teater home next year.


Christmas tree scraps on the window sill (also in the picture above, and the picture below).


Candles and tree scraps on our wall unit.


The pink wall unit, for those of you who haven't seen it painted yet.


Our dresser with a cool live centerpiece from LL Bean.


So that's our home decorated for Christmas! It was some welcome cheer in a not so cheery week. But I'll write more about that later. Here, however, for your enjoyment, is my very favorite poem, probably ever (maybe...). It's called Christmas Bells. Way to go Henry Longfellow. And FYI, I'm posting the whole poem (including two omitted stanzas that aren't used in the song I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day) because I think the whole thing is relevant (and amazing).

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said:
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Merry Christmas! And may peace and goodwill to all reign in our hearts this season.