Lights of Joy

Every year, my least favorite annual chore is putting up our Christmas tree. The tree is stored in the original box in the garage, buried under storage bins and years of hoarded junk. I dread getting my arms scratched up from the artifical pine needles as I drag each section into the house. And inevitably, I always end up with my back hurting the next day.

Once the tree is plugged in, however, I am always immediately transformed by the joy and holiday spirit that simple Christmas lights evoke. 

Actually, I take that back. My least favorite chore is taking DOWN the Christmas tree and trying to find a way to make it fit back into the box.