Christmas Dilemma

For quite some time now I've had an ongoing debate inside my head on whether I should put up a Christmas Tree or not. Although I can not imagine having Christmas without a tree, I also cannot imagine how many times I will be startled by cries of terror as Izaiah topples the tree down on top of himself. He's cute as a button and boy can he melt my heart with his smile, but my son is a terror on two legs!! Since learning to walk a month ago, he has developed an early arrogance, as well as a jet engine (which I'm convinced is hidden somewhere in his diaper, but I'll be damned if I can find it). Not only is he fast, he is also hard headed and more determined than any 11 month old I know! Our morning escapade is the perfect example:

This morning I turned on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (Izaiah's favorite) and snuck out of the room, hoping to use the Ladies Room in peace! I sat down and sighed a quiet relief, but it was much too soon.

~slap~slap~slap~slap~

Here he comes...feet pounding fast on the linoleum, through the dining room and "Hello!" I see his big cheesy grin round the corner. "HAHA! I found you Mommy!" Running down the hall until he reaches the bathroom door (which I leave cracked so I can hear him), he barges in and heads for his favorite bathroom past time: the toilet paper. He immediately begins to slap the roll and giggle as the toilet paper falls like water! I pull his hands away again and again, smack his fingers, gently to begin and then as hard as my faint Mommy-heart will let me. He grins at me with all 6 teeth, shakes his head and repeats "No No!" Then continues on in his quest to waste as much toilet paper as he can. Succumbing to the battle, I re-roll the tissue and quickly remove the roll and turn it backwards. Boy, he is not happy that Mommy has outsmarted him!

Unfortunately, I have done nothing of the sort. After a few smacks at the roll with no gratification, he screams a Tarzan yell and grabs a fist full of the roll, tearing a huge chunk out of the side. Now, not only do I have a mad baby with a fist (and mouth) full of toilet paper, I'm left trying to strategically fold my toilet paper to avoid wiping through a hole in the tissue.

So back to the Christmas tree; I've toyed with the idea of setting up our tree on top of an old entertainment center. However, I already pick up picture frames strewn about the house, belonging to that table. I wouldn't want to make the tree toppling situation worse by adding a height factor! Seriously, bad idea!

I've also considered putting it in the corner behind my computer desk. Then I think that adding blaring lights, reflective bulbs and metallic anything to my surroundings may only add to my daily homework headache.

My husband and I live in a relatively modest little house on Eielson AFB, so although I would love to entertain a Christmas tree surrounded by a baby play yard, I would also love to be able to navigate through my living room.

*sigh* I have not yet come to a conclusion. This is definitely a conversation to be continued! I would love to hear your thoughts or suggestions!!

Until then...Happy Holidays from a Mommy in Jeans and High Heels! *MUAH*