I’m a purist when it comes to holiday celebrations. I like fireworks on New Year’s Eve, flowers on Valentine’s Day, apple pie and flag-waving on July 4th, and roast turkey for Thanksgiving.
In our family, a live Christmas tree was an essential holiday tradition. I don’t actually know how the tree “appeared” every year, but no matter where in the world we lived, the “Tree Fairy” delivered a fresh pine tree to our home, as if by magic!
Now, my pragmatic husband is no “Tree Fairy”. He has a litany of legitimate complaints against a fresh-cut tree…the rising cost, cleaning up the “bazillion” pine needles that fall off (I think it cost us a vacuum cleaner one year!), and the logistics of installing the miles of twinkle lights (it’s impossible to find the ONE bulb that’s out, right?). I concede his many fine points of logic….but I REALLY, REALLY WANT one! Since when does logic matter for what the heart wants?
Last year, Len jokingly proposed an artificial tree. A FAKE tree? Are you crazy? Suddenly, it occurred to me that what I really loved about the Christmas tree was the joy of opening and displaying all of the hand-picked ornaments we’ve collected, and the memories they evoked – those from our childhood, from places we’ve lived or visited together around the world, those marking celebrations, milestones, hobbies, our unique sense of humor and gifts from people we love. In a flash, I changed my story about the Christmas tree. Now we have a “sustainable”, pre-lit, tree-in-a-box, that I turn on with a convenient foot pedal. No muss, no fuss…and it does a fabulous job of showcasing all of our “treasures”. I even got extra credit for compromising. A new, fake tree and a sprinkling of pine-scented “Tree Fairy” dust – and poof, a new family tradition is born!
I’d love to hear about your family holiday traditions, cultivated over generations… or inspired in the spirit of holiday compromise. This month’s Item of Value is a chance to win dinner and a movie, on me. Just go to www.HindsiteAustin.com and register for the opportunity to pick up tickets to Alamo Drafthouse and treat your very own “Tree Fairy” to a new, stress-free holiday tradition!
Have a Merry Christmas and blessed New Year. After all, ringing in 20/20 is what Hindsite was made for. I can’t wait to surprise and delight you.
It’s a good life!
Cindy Smith
Broker Associate/REALTOR®
Phone: (512) 426-2431
P.S. Remember, I am never too busy to help your family, friends, or co-workers with their real estate needs. Just call, text or e-mail me their name and number and I will be happy to follow up with them.
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Win a Movie Outing on Me!
My Item of Value this month - a chance to win dinner and movie at Alamo Drafthouse.
It's that time of year when holiday traditions abound. We know for many that means a trip to the theater to take in a holiday blockbuster with family, and I’d like to send you this year!
Click here to enter for your chance to win a gift card to Alamo Drafthouse.
Annual Home Review
The Annual Home Review is one of the many ways I can enhance and support your homeownership experience.
I'm happy to stop by and give your property its yearly well-check to ensure your investment remains as valuable and rewarding as possible.
Click here to learn more and request your Annual Home Review.
Keep Cool!
One of my favorite vendors, Altruistic AC & Heating, has a great offer exclusively for my Hindsite clients.
We all know how important it is to have reliable A/C in the heat of a Texas summer (which will be here before we know it), and the best way to do that is to take good care of your unit!
Click here to request your discounted tune-up!
