Trimming the tree.

Yesterday we finally got around to buying our Christmas tree--the first time we've ever had a real tree! I have to admit, I was really looking forward to this event and I had high hopes for the specialness of the day...but, like often happens over the holidays, things didn't quite turn out as picture-perfect as I had hoped.

We did find a nice big tree for a good price, and I love the tree itself. The piney smell in our livingroom is wonderful! But really, this tree was too big for our livingroom...it was supposed to be 7 feet but it must be 8 feet because even after we trimmed it down it's almost scraping the ceiling, and it doesn't leave much room for the furniture either. Next year we'll watch out for that.

We quickly realized that our few small strings of lights that we put on our very small fake tree last year weren't going to cut it, so Chris went out to "quickly" pick up a few more strings of lights. Ha! He went to every store in town, while I tried to keep the anxious children happy at home, and came back empty handed. Every single store was sold out of plain white lights.

All right then, so we decorated the tree with what we had. Kira's friend was here, and she brought over a box of glass ornaments she had bought at a garage sale in the summer. With two rambunctious little boys about, about half the ornaments were broken by the time we were done. And the candy canes--it was a big mistake to put candy canes on the tree as a decoration. Jasper could not resist them, and I think he hurriedly crunched about 4 candy canes before I realized this would not work and took them all off! I don't suppose I have to add that he was on a bit of a sugar high for the next few hours...

The plate of Christmas cookies I put out, that I pictured us munching peacefully while we put up the decorations, ended up mostly as smashed bits underfoot in the general chaos.

But, the tree is done. The bits of popcorn and cranberry garland that Kira and her friend made are lovely, and they plan on making some more soon. In fact, I plan on making some homemade ornaments too, since our previous collection looks a bit sparse on this big tree!

And all my old favourites are still there in a place of honour near the top. Mind if I share a few?

This one my Sunday School teacher, Nora, gave to me when I was 5 years old. I thought it was so beautiful when I was a kid, and I still like it best because it's been a part of every tree trimming since I can remember.

Then there is our ornament from our first Christmas together--way back in 1997! My how the years have flown...

Here is one of the cross-stitched ornaments I made about five years ago. This one is my favourite, as it shows a kitty sleeping in front of a fireplace and a mug of hot cocoa--winter cozyness!

I have engraved "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments for all my children...

And I have my own ornament, way back from 1978! Those were the days... :)

I look forward now to making some special homemade ornaments with my children, so that our collection of "special" ornaments can grow year by year. Because trimming the tree still seems like an important family occasion to me, even if things don't always go as smoothly as planned.

Feel free to leave me a comment and tell me about your most special Christmas ornaments. :)

Comments

[gardenmama]

What a sweet post! These are the days that memories are made of! I love looking back at the ornaments my parents saved from when I was little and then also to the ones of my babies first christmas... isn't it incredible how quickly time goes by! Every year looking through the box of ornaments brings back a rush of memories, I enjoy creating new ornaments each year with the kids. Have a wonderful holiday season Laura!

[Citysister]

My parents still put up my Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer clothespin.

[Lise]

Our tree-cutting expedition was canceled today due to pouring freezing rain. Sigh. I love seeing everyone's ornaments and trees. Here's a post I did last year with some of my favorite ornaments:
http://inthepurplehouse.blogspot.com/2009/12/o-tannenbaum.html

[anita kaiser]

I don't know how you survived without a real tree before. I just love the smell and can't imagine a Christmas without it. Thanks for the tour down memory lane. I have so many favorites in our collection but probably the most favorite is the pewter one of my grandfather. I know how hard it was for my grandma to cut a picture after he passed but each holiday season now he has a very special place on the tree. Even though my daughter never got to meet him - she sees him there and knows who he is. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

[Lise]

Thanks for your comment about my tree! I, too, want to learn to make those crocheted snowflakes. That's my goal for next year's gifts. I found some great vintage patterns on Ravelry.

[country sister]

I love this ornament review...I do the same thing every year and now its fun to go over each of them with my girls...they always ask...now where did this one come from. And BTW congrats on your Etsy sales! Glad to hear things are going well.

[KareBear]

I love handmade decorations....they are all so special!!! I still decorate with ornaments my children made years ago for our tree.

[heather]

I was born in '78 too and I think my 1st ornament may be almost EXACTLY like yours! ;)