Drop Top Sleigh Ride

The return of the mutant tree!  The very first entry I wrote for my christmas blog is the story of the year my Mom decided to forgo spending money on a christmas tree, opting to donate the money to a good cause.  Instead of the tree, she obtained fresh pine branches from a friend who had recently trimmed a giant tree in their yard.  She then assembled said branches in a large tub and we decorated that.  As evidenced below.

If you have read the original tale, you know that the year of the mutant tree is also the year Jennifer and I both brought home our classroom trees. You will also know the way Karma paid me back when Paul was in T-1 at Hawthorne Elementary. In searching for the elusive photo of the mutant tree I also discovered these.

All of this photographic Christmas nostalgia? Cringe? Cheer? Inspired an idea for Jennifer’s Bakery this holiday season.  Last year we asked customers and online fans to send in pictures of themselves performing in the nutcracker and literally covered her bakery in the images as a celebration of all the dancers who have ever performed in the nutcracker, regardless of if they went on to become a professional dancer or not.

This year? We are providing the opportunity for people to share their old christmas photos; whether they are awkwardly posing in front of the family christmas tree, or posed professionally.  I am absolutely in love with the results.  I am extending the offer to share that joy with my readers.  If it is December 2025 (even if it is after, to be honest) and you want in on the fun, please email me your best nostalgic christmas pictures (limit 3) to judson@dedicatedgf.com and they will get shared on the dedicatedgf instagram and facebook pages, and copies will be displayed in the lobby. I promise to protect your identity, if necessary.  I can not wait to see your merry christmas pictures.