This is only the second time in 16 years that we have not cut our own tree in the mountains of NC. I'm a wee bit sentimental, so it was a hard thing for me to go to a local lot and choose one in a matter of 5 minutes. I like to make an event of choosing the tree,
preferably with a hayride and hot cocoa. I'm learning that sometimes we have to let go of tradition. Temporarily. Next year, you'll find me at Lawrence tree farm taking my time. ;)
But for now, I'm enjoying trimming our first tree in this house.
I'm realizing how fast time flies when it comes to parenting, so I decided to go with whimsical, kid-friendly trimmings. I can have a fancy, grown-up tree later on down the road. For now, I want my kids to know it's for them.
Target has tons of these adorable candy ornaments. I got mine last year at the 75% off after Christmas sale.
This little guy was my favorite after Christmas sale find, though.
Michaels has some really great ribbon this year. Perfect timing since our bows had seen their better days and didn't make the move with us.
I almost didn't pull this box down from the attic, rationalizing that the kids wouldn't be interested in the "little kid" nativities. Imagine my delight when I found my sweet boy playing with them. I'm hanging on to these moments as long as I can.
So how about you? What's your favorite way to trim the tree? Do you prefer a live tree or artificial?
9 comments:
I am waging war within my heart about having a kids tree rather than a pretty tree. Right now, I am 50/50. The front half of the tree, visible to anyone who visits, is gold, brown and creme ornaments with white lights. The back half, that you can only see if you walk down the stairs staring straight at it, is white lights but all of the ornaments are the kids' ornaments. I get them a new one every year, to commemorate signifigant milestones or a special new "like". It won't be much longer, especially adding another baby this year, before there will be no more room on the back of the tree to put their ornaments. OY! And Mecaden tells me every year that she wants "pretty" lights, not white ones. Total torment. I think after Christmas, I'm going to try to get them clearanced trees for their rooms- a pink one and a blue or green one that they can fill up with their ornaments and colored lights next year????
And we do artificial. I grew up with a real tree from Food Lion- decorated with all our ornaments from every year and colored lights. See- torment!!!!!
Sure missed our tradition this year, too! Your tree is lovely. I had him lay out our "little kid" nativities on Mon. 'cause I knew he would like that (I told him the boys next door would probably be over & they could play with it...but I'm sure the boy who used to live next door will be enjoying it when he visits, too).
It's beautiful. I love it! You are a great Mom! We have a big artificial tree. It's pretty and full and I still haven't put it up;) I do miss the real tree though, the smell and tradition of picking it out. You are so right. Maybe one of these years...
What's a grown-up tree? :) Love your tree, so fun! I do prefer live, but in recent years have seen some benefits to artificial as well. My favorite part of our tree is the angel on top that is just a little piece of paper that Layton or Owen (can't remember at the moment) colored with crayon. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to change it!
Love your tree! We do artificial, it's just one less thing to buy at Christmas (after the initial purchase of course) And it's a bonus that the lights are already on making things really simple. Right now it's decorated with a mixture of fancy ornaments and kids handmade ornaments, but we pull it all together with Candy Cane colored icicles, big poinsettia clips, and I hope to add picks to make it all come together. I did see at Home Depot that they have discreet ornaments that are air fresheners and smell like real trees.
my eyes just went boy-yoing when i saw your tree!
way to go-so stinkin' cheerful and fun!!!!!
it's like over the top great! i'm torn up over it! haha
and around these parts? we're all fake! big candy canes, red and white whimsy
We go pick a tree from the mountains as well. We have been doing this for 7 years now. Our tree has all kinds of ornaments with sentimental value. No theme or color scheme but I did do burlap garland and have white lights.
Love your tree! How whimsical and fresh! We do an artificial tree, partly because we need a really tall one to fill our two story atrium and can't afford a real one that size. We do individually chosen ornaments collected through the years. We each have a collection or two, and my kids will take theirs with them one day. We also collect ornaments from wherever we vacation, so I love going through all the memories as I decorate. And, I'm sad to say, I do indeed decorate all by myself :( My kids are college age and don't really get into it any more and my husband uses his back surgery to excuse himself. But it's ok. I enjoy creating a beautiful tree for my family each year. Have a merry Christmas!
We have a tree covered in hallmark ornaments and I love it. They all hold special memories in our hearts. We get our tree from the local Lowe's home improvement store. lol!
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