Christmas Already?

I could barely believe my eyes on Friday when I entered the Walmart parking lot to see Christmas trees for sale! It seems the years go by faster and faster.
The weather here in Hawaii is always quite the same staying within the temperatures of low sixties during the night hours, and daily, the average temperature is in the mid eighties with some humidity. With no really apparent weather change at times it seems as if there is no season change. When you think of Christmas don't you think of cold weather, snow, hot cocoa, sweaters and cozy pajamas? Not here... Nevertheless, it is still 'Christmas Time'.
Over the past few years our family has veered away from the whole christmas tree and a whole lot of presents' under the tree thing and we chose to focus on the true meaning of Christmas which is celebrating the birth of Jesus. We've purchased a 'soft' nativity to display (I've tried porcelain, but only lasted a few days with house full of children!) We've celebrated advent in years past by making a Jesse Tree with scripture reading that coincide with the story of Jesus' birth. The children enjoy our traditions and they have left wonderful memories on the heart of our children. This year for the joy of it I think we will add a pretty christmas tree to our celebration. I always look forward to this time of year!