My Name is Annie, and I'm a Christmas Nazi

Ok, yes. I admit it. I am a self-described Christmas Nazi. When it comes to decorating for the holidays, I like things my way. As far as Channing goes, that's fine. He'd rather not have to help anyway. When it comes to Tristan, though, not so good. He is your typical four year old. He wants to help decorate the tree and decorate the house. Totally normal, right? Thing is, I don't want to share. Yes, I said it. I like to do it all myself.

It's not that I mind the help, it's just that I like things to look a certain way. I know, decorating the Christmas tree (trees at our house) is something that should be enjoyed by the whole family. I've seen the Christmas movies and the joy on the faces of the children. I saw the delight on Tristan's face when we pulled out our fake tree last year. I did let him decorate some of the tree last year. I just had a hard time passing the tree over and over and seeing tons of ornaments in the same spot on the bottom of the tree while the top looked bare. That was and is just SO hard for me. I had to fix it. I just had to.

I know it's a problem. At least I admit it. I am a Christmas Nazi. I'm trying to recover, but it's tough. Do you know that I have even contemplated putting up our fake tree while Tristan is sleeping...just so I can do it all by myself...the way I like it? Yep, I've got a problem. Am I alone in this? Are there any other Christmas Nazis out there? If so, tell me so I don't have to feel so awful. If not, if you're one of those parents who lets your kids take the full reigns...fill me in. How do you do it? Does it not bother you at all? I know, I know. The kids are more important. But still...I'm a recovering Christmasaholic. I need help!

Check out this tree...clearly decorated by kids. Sweet, but I just can't handle it.Every year, I fuss about having to put the lights on the tree. Channing used to try to help, but I would always take over. "You're not doing it right. Squint. Seeeeeeeeeeee...there need to be more lights over there. Oh, I'll just do it." Yeah, he doesn't really jump up to put the lights on the trees anymore. He knows what to expect: complaining from me because I have to do it. Thing is, he'd rather hear that than have me take it away from him.

Scary, right? Ok, that's my confession for the day. You got anything?