The End of a tradition

The end of a tradition

It was Jeffrey's turn to put the angel on the top of the tree this year.  Tradition has it that Tom pops the kid up onto his shoulders so he/she can reach the top of the tree to place the angel. Jeff tried this year to use a step ladder, but couldn't quite reach. I explained that was because he was breaking with the tradition. He needed daddy to lift him up. And up he went...and he whacked his head on the ceiling.The only place they could have stood to get Jeff up without the bonk was the landing on the stairs and Tom didn't really want to have to carry Jeff down the stairs on his shoulders.

It was a delicate process and the thump was gentle. Followed by lots and lots of giggles. But one thing is clear. This was the end of a tradition. Next year will be the girl's turn (if at 11 she's still willing to talk to daddy with his Dinosaur phone) and in 2 years I assume Jeff will be looking down at the top of the tree. He will be 10 and all, and the general assumption is that by 10 he will be looking down on me.

I was able to dig up the first picture I have of Jeff atop daddy's shoulder's adoring the tree with the angel. He was 2.  He's not quite so little any more.

Jeff at 2 putting on the angel

Now he's 8, and just barely fits.