I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

The Christmas tree has arrived! And boy, is it massive.

Sunday was the day, we bundled up (for 55 degree weather mind you, overkill for sure) to trek through the farm and find our "perfect tree." Unfortunately, this idea of going off on  your own to find a tree was not as easy as it sounds. We walked for what seemed like hours through too small, too large, too wide, too skinny, too bare, too bushy trees. Finally we found what we thought was "perfect." Were we wrong! Our ceiling height is a normal 9 feet, our new tree was over 13 feet! So caught up in the beauty, we brought it home unwise to what was to come.

After trimming the top off, and some of the bottom, it fit in the house. Then it was time to trim the sides so it didn't seem so daunting in our tiny home. Below is the results:

With only weeks to go, I've put it into full gear when it comes to presents. Still completely unsure of some, I think the people I have done will be pretty pleased. For my brother and sister-in-law who live in Tennessee I put together a really cute "baking bowl." Started out with a big mixing bowl, in holiday decor of course:

Then I found some really cute oven mitts, complete with cookie mix inside. With two of those, a new spatula, some cookie cutters, measuring spoons, hot chocolate mix (in holiday gear as well, of course), and some Keurig coffee pods - this makes a very nice family-friendly gift to ship! I may throw in a few homemade cookies as well, if I ever get started:

Now on to my brother in Florida, (keep in mind I am stock piling any boxes that come in at work so I can send all of these things to various states) I was considering baking and sending him a care package of goodies he can enjoy before and after the holiday. He'll be here for Christmas, but it's always easier to send before the holiday and let him enjoy his gifts in his own home. That will be my next project... is it bad when Christmas presents become projects?