What does YOUR Christmas tree look like?

Sounds pretty Mel. Bill and I are in the process of getting ours up. Last year we went out and bought a pre-lit tree so the getting it up and lit is easy. However, we have a vast collection of ornaments so it takes a while to get it all done. We have ornaments from each of our kid's first Christmas tree as well as a few survivors of ornaments they made when they were little. Each year they argue with me about putting them on the tree. I tell them I don't care what they look like, it's my tree and they are going on it! We also have collections of Santa's, of course, and teddy bears. My topper is actually an Angel Boyds Bear that we purchased in Colorado. I also have a few that my maternal grandmother made over the years as gifts. As well as ornaments we purchased while stationed in Italy and some from my childhood that were purchased while stationed in Germany. Beth - we also do the glass pickle thanks to my German ancestry. Another tradition we added several years ago is that the first thing to go on the tree is a large (8" long) nail similar to the ones used to nail Christ to the cross. This gets buried deep in the boughs so only the family knows it is there. This is to remind us that the reason we can celebrate is because Christ offered himself on a tree for our sins. Our tree skirt is a lovely one that my mother pieced and quilted for us several years ago. Our wrapping paper is mostly teddy bears and Santas. Since Santa stops at our house too, the gifts from him to our grandsons are always wrapped in red and green tissue paper. The boys know at a glance which ones belong to them because their stocking will also have something wrapped in their color of tissue for that year. Santa gifts to the adults are always wrapped in white tissue. I love hearing about everyone's Christmas traditions and decorations.

I have to say that ours is still in the box. We are "still" (very long story) in the process fo remodling our living room and kitchen.  We have painted and my husband is working very hard to lay laminate flooring.  If you know my husband you know that he likes for things to be done correclty- to me this means a very looooooonnnnnggggg process.  We currently have eveything in the garage and have been watching tv there.  On top of all this, he had to have minor surgery today.  He had to have a bone spur removed from his nose, so now a couple more days of not getting things done. LOng story to say this, I have been promised that by the time I have surgery, the house will look great, christmas will be up and things should return to normal after I get home.

But "if" and "when" my tree gets up we have a collection of all different types of ornaments, colored chaser lights.  I love to wrap presents, so I take extra time to make sure they look great, with big bows( just like Martha would do)  on my fathers side of the family they let the kids pick an ornament off thier tree and Paw Paw puts thier name and year on them, so ech of my kids have 20 different ornaments that are special from the grandparents.  Beth also mentioned that we do a christmas  exchange every year.  I also have a couple of handmade ornaments from my mother and grandmother.  I love this time of year, and can't wait to make the house sparkle.   Thanks for letting me "rant" about the house and "rave" about our tree

Last night, I got two cheap packs of tiny icicycles.  They look like three inch long icecyclces and are icey frosted looking.  97 cents at wally world.  So I put them all over the tree...  and it made it look a little more christmassy.   Tim turned only the blue lights on tonight and its still pretty.  Can't wait til all the Christmas events begin!  We have a Christmas party on Tuesday night at Maggiano's, then I have a get together with two friends from my old job on Thursday night, on Dec. 13th I have another get together with three more old coworkers...  then on the 19th I am going to Pam Tillis dinner at opryland hotel.  I've waited 3 years for this!  Mike, Tim & I are all going for our Christmas get together.  Then of course, Tim's family on Dec. 8th at 4, which then that night I will come to the OH dinner...  cant wait....  I believe it to be a good Christmas. What are your plans?

December 1st - Secret Sister Luncheon at church  Decebmer 8th - Singing Christmas Tree in Memphis Tenn December 13th - My Surgery Date  December 18th - Scott's Surgery Date  December 25th - Family Christmas - ( our brother Keith's Birthday)                                                     

We have a very thin tree with white star lights and blue lights on the garden level.  all of the decorations are crystal looking, silver, white or irish porceline.  there is a lot of spun glass on it too.  One of the garlands is made of crystal beads while the other is a silver chain with silver christams trees on it.  On the top is an angel in a white dress holding two star lights that are white and reflect off of her silver wings.  On the main level we have a 9 ft full tree that is decked out in multi color lights with a lot of different decorations from many years of collecting.  The top is a pretty star.  On the top level, our son has a 5 foot tree with multi colored lights and a "candy" theme.  there are gum drop garlands, and gingerbread cookie decorations all over it along with candy canes and lollipops. The tree skirt is also full of gingerbread men.  On the top is a stuffed gingerbread man.   He picked all of those out when he was in the 4th grade and he is a senior this year.   I like to look at the trees in all the areas of the house.  I also have several smaller trees in bathrooms etc. 

We have two Christmas trees that will be put up this weekend.  We have one at the top of the stairs and one beside the fireplace.  We are an eclectic family with very different tastes amongst the three of us.  Doug is hippie who loves all things aquatic and botanical (orchids are his favorite.)  His collection includes the yearly orchid society ornament, hand blown glass fish (Polonaise), tiny little lobster traps, shell ornaments, pink flamingo Santas and orchid lights.  Amelia loves to decorate the house and tree with strands of  poinsettia garland.  She is an artist at heart.  Her ornament collection includes flowers and lots of unusual colored long thin ornaments.  She also likes to add red chili pepper lights.  I am more traditional.  I have a little pinecone that I made when I was in the second grade.  It has been on every tree I have had.  I also have ornaments that Amelia made through the years.  Oh I mustn't forget the bubble lights.  We have used those for the past 9 years.  We love to vacation on Captiva Island and one of our favorite restaurants is the Bubble Room.  We started using bubble lights the first year our family was together as a reminder of warmer days.  Our trees are joyful and a reflection of our lives together.  They may not make sense to other people but to us...they are beautiful!

I have enjoyed reading all the different things people do, their "rituals" of the holiday, and how their trees are decorated...  I am excited this year...  I think it will be a wonderful Christmas for ALL OF US!  We have so much to celebrate in our lives.  Don't you agree?  And, hey, I wouldnt actually DO this, but it delights my heart to know that when I pass by the Hustler store to go to work each morning, that I could actually get MY butt in those two piece lingerie outfits that look like a female santa suit! haha!

Is that what your wearing to the Christmas Party?