Christmas trees are like snowflakes
How are Christmas trees like snowflakes? No two are like.
I’ve seen some lovely trees this season, but have to admit, the one in my living room is the most beautiful of them all. I could spend hours just watching it. In fact, I do!
The only one like it in the world.
We’re sharing Christmas traditions this week and for me, decorating and enjoying the tree is tops.
Many people who live alone choose not to put up a tree, which is perfectly understandable. For me, though, my unique, story-telling tree is one of the favorite parts of the holiday. When the artificial evergreen is first set up, it looks impossibly bare. About midway through decorating, though, the tree begins to sparkle. Soon, it’s hard to find an empty branch to place another gold ball or crocheted snowflake.
Sipping a cup of tea, my eye travels the branches, taking in familiar decorations that are new all over this year. A few date back to my childhood days. Some are from the tiny tree my roommate and I had in our college dorm. Gifts from coworkers and friends remind me of times past and send me wishes of their love. Some from family members who are gone are priceless treasures I wouldn’t give up for the world.
New in 2012
Each year, I try to add one new ornament to the tree. It may be something special purchased on a trip or maybe just a trip to the discount mart. I found this year’s cookie theme ornament at the hardware store.
Even though I don’t have children, some precious handmade pieces grace my tree, made by kids in my Sunday school classes. Last week, my toddler class made decorations to take home. One boy glued his picture on sideways. I left it that way, knowing his sideways grin would be peaking out of the family Christmas tree for years to come, taking Mom and Dad back to these days.
I look at the tiny balls that I admired on our tree at the office. Nelda, our secretary, took them off the tree and gave them to me. These ornaments are a reminder that the spirit of Christmas is generosity – that we share with each other, that our Heavenly Father gave us in His son.
Our family celebration will be on Saturday, so I’m still enjoying my truly original tree all week.
We are so grateful for our readers here on the blog and hope you are each still enjoying the blessings of this season.
Merry Christmas,
~Susan
Every night I worked late trying to finish projects, clean and get things ready for Christmas Eve. Finally in the early morning hours of Christmas day I sat down and enjoyed the tree. It’s kind of like sitting on the beach and watching the waves come in for hours. Nothing changes, but your mind can wander and relax. Our tree is real, so it’s probably coming down today. We have birthdays on Friday so that’s always my goal. I’m also afraid if anyone sneezes all the needles will be on the floor!! Thanks for your post, Susie.
I’m glad you had some time to sit down and relax. I was able to last night and it was nice. Did you chop down your tree from your farm?
No, it’s an annual tradition to go to Lowes! I know, not quite the Christmas card scene, but we have a great time. Mark always heads to the 4-5 footers and the boys to the 8-9 footers! Usually we’re closing the store down, but we have lots of “arguing” over the best tree and laughs. Around here we only have cedar trees and they are too painful to decorate, in my opinion. It’s also hard to get a nice shaped one.
Christmas trees bring such warmth and cheer to the house. I love getting mine up early so we can enjoy for as long as we can
Our oldest grandchildren have been putting up our tree for us for quite a number of years. I love it when they do. We have such a good time and it’s chaos most of the evening but so beautiful when they’re finished. I love looking at the lights every night and every morning…..now it will soon be time to take it down and I’m already dreading it. It leaves such a big empty spot in our living room.
I know what you mean, Jeanie! It always makes me a little sad. I wish Christmas came at the end of January, so I could have the lights through the dark days of winter.