The Christmas Tree is up.

For several years I haven't been in the mood for a tree, but this year Christmas means a lot more to me, and I am feeling much better. So a few nights ago I did the deed.

We use an artificial tree that looks quite natural. We bought it about five years ago for $35.00. We have boxes and boxes of ornaments, and they all bring back memories. I think that there are three on there that were purchased new. All the rest are homemade or thrift store finds.

Some of the balls are losing paint, but I just turn that side so it can't be seen. There's a sweet green felt heart that one daughter made when she was 16, embroidered with the word "Love." There are styrofoam eggs covered with beads and sequins. A pair of silver and white crocheted angels was a gift from a dear friend for our 25th anniversary. We have lots of glass balls and elongated shapes, garlands of tinsel, pearl and beads and even a blue rosary from a very special memorial service for a young soldier who died in the Desert Storm conflict. The fanciest garland is made of green styrofoam peanuts strung on dental floss, believe it or not.

There is a bread dough blue dove, balls made like geodesic domes out of old Christmas cards, and two cows from an old quilt that was past using. Some of the angels are from clothespins, muslin and ribbon roses. Some are tiny stuffed dolls with wings. One is almost all lace.

The store bought decorations include a beaded garland, an exquisite Jack Frost holding a snowflake that Jim bought me the first year we were married, and some glass balls bought at Target for almost nothing after Christmas.

The lights are all the tiny white ones. Two strings just about does the job, but I have several more strings just in case.

There are wreaths made of painted puzzle pieces, One brass frame holds a baby picture of our grandson who is now a Marine.

That tree is covered! It looks as nice as any designer tree at our Christmas Tree festivals, and it has tons of memories for us. Maybe this year I'll get around to making a skirt so we won't have to use an old sheet.

We have to run the lights with our generator, but otherwise you'd never know we don't have electricity. There is a crystal on the TV that changes colors, and it runs on batteries. We have a cute snowman wall hanging with a battery and six little golden lights.

With the radio on playing wonderful Christmas music, and a few goodies to munch on (Costco's Belgian chocolates) we thought we were in heaven last night.

I wish you  joyful Christmas as well!

0 Comments