Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Our Last Big Christmas Tree


 This is as far as we got decorating the tree Saturday.
Wasn't it enough to go to the lot, pick it out, put it on the roof of the car and then schlep it inside?
The bag 'o lights from last year were a tangled mess, but I persevered on Sunday, adding them to the tree that we all know may very well be the last big, live tree for this family.

I was just a little bit short with the lights, but no matter, I started to hang the ornaments anyway.
That's the fun part!
Eventually, a random string of lights was located in the garage and I finished the task.

After two cups of coffee, Monday morning the creative process kicked in and I finished decorating the Christmas Tree, 2013--with Oscar's help!
Only to realize that random string of lights from the garage blinks!
I don't care!

 After all the ornaments were hung, I remembered that 50 yard bolt of tartan ribbon from Costco and decided to wrap the tree.  
It wasn't exactly the right sequence but I like the result.

 A new santa to add to the collection...

 Hanging the ornaments alway makes me feel nostalgic.  
Especially this year as we all wonder if this is the last Christmas in this house.
Either way, I'm pretty sure this is the last big Christmas tree!

Will 2014 be the year to downsize?
Smaller house?  Small Christmas tree?

These are big questions, but for now, I'm just happy to get it done for one more year!
Behold:  "Our Last Big Christmas Tree!"

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28 comments:

Lori said...

No, no, no. You will have a fresh big or almost big tree every year. Our kids are gone and we still get one. One of the best parts of Christmas. Gorgeous and gotta love that Costco 50 yard ribbons!

Anonymous said...

Your tree us amazing, Delores. Beautiful!!

We gave up on a real trees while we were still at the farm. J has really bad allergies even after having the shots and losing his sense of smell, so we just gave up and went artificial.....until today. We are going out for a real tree today, hopefully. The kids at church have a tree lot. That is where we are headed, all because we toured a beautiful restored 19th century primitive cabin that just happened to have a wonderful, real Christmas tree! I couldn't get it out of my mind so I approached J with my idea. He was thinking the same thing. We can't have that cabin but we will have a real tree!

Suzanne said...

Your blog has become one of my favorites, and I LOVE your house. It is just the perfect blend of elegant yet comfortable. The tree looks lovely, too.

Lori E said...

I went fake years ago and never looked back. The best thing about it is that I only put the branches on the sides and front, leaving the back of the tree bare.
I push it right up against the wall and my tree still looks huge but it takes up half the space.
No one has ever noticed that have the tree is missing. Trompe l'oeil.

gme said...

The tree looks great! Glad you went with the Santas, they look perfect with the plaid ribbon. I would be so sad to see you leave this beautiful home, it's been such an inspiration to me!

Scribbler said...

WEll, your tree looks beautiful, even if one string blinks. That has happened to me before, too.

I gave up on real trees a few years back-- but then I got a huge fake, and that is tiring, too. I am thinking of giving up decorating for Christmas altogether...

Patricia said...

Your tree is just beautiful ! They are a lot of work, and as my children are teenagers, and adults now, I often do it on my own, and wonder if it's worth it....But they are so beautiful, and it's the tradition I suppose....
Your home is amazingly beautiful - I couldn't imagine selling it !

Roxane said...

Your tree is very beautiful! I love the traditional red and the woodland theme. Our youngest daughter (last of 3) and now the only one left at home has told me she won't be putting any more lights on trees! So, my prelit faux Christmas tree is on its way. Although it won't be smaller than our previous trees, it will be different, especially with no scent. So I will be gathering fragrant pine needles and other evergreens that grow along our road and putting them in sachet bags to hang inside the tree. Hopefully, that will work!

Kathysue said...

Hi D,
Somehow I think you will have another big tree. It might not be a real tree, but next year the bug will hit you again, just like it has in the years past. This years tree is a beauty,
kathysue

Unknown said...

Your tree is beautiful. However you celebrate, now and in the future, it will still be Christmas and may you be blessed!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your tree is beautiful and I love the tartan ribbon garland. We went with a smaller live tree this year since we downsized to a smaller home, but I think we have convinced ourselves to buy a faux tree next year. I am getting to old to lay on the floor trying to water the tree!

My Little Bungalow said...

It's beautiful!

Jenny said...

Your tree is beautiful!! LOVE the deer wrapping paper :) !! Where did you get it?

Anonymous said...

Change -- or even thinking about change -- can be both energizing and really hard. Best to you, now and wherever you are celebrating at this time next year.

Unknown said...

Very beautiful! Love the ribbon, and all the sweet ornaments!

La Table De Nana said...

It's very pretty:)

It's funny because we always had a real one here and tall for the high ceilings.. w/ the cold and dragging it in and out we bought a (fake) one..still tall 12 ft..maybe even higher but the base was so wide we couldn't get in the kitchen..so we took off the bottom part..and for the last oh 8 yrs have loved it..still a ton of work to assemble..and take down..so many heavy trunk parts..
so... this yr some of the lights didn't work..and now it's starting to shed like a real tree..
So..is this our last yr w/ a big tree too:)?

Great job on your tree:)

deb said...

We have one 4' fake (pink - love it!) tree and we get a smaller version of what we used to get (6') Noble fir. I can reach the top of it, my husband can carry it easily to the truck, and we still have a real tree. Downsizing is great, but we just need a real tree!!

Marian said...

You probably have a red tipped light on the string that is the blinker light. Replace it with a plain light and no more blinking! Your tree looks lovely!

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

Leave that house? If only I could move right in. For the past few years I have watched you share the details, especially at Christmas, and always enjoy it so much. But if you do make big changes next year, I hope they are blessed ones and that we get to see you work your magic somewhere new.

laney said...

...your tree is lovely...as is everything in your beautiful home... we have been married 43 years and still cut down a real tree...but...we have had white lights with no decorations for the past 12 years...i love the plain tree...we always choose a tree with a slight gap...to honor the animals that have sheltered there...blessings laney

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Oh man I feel ya! We did not do a big tree this year but perhaps next as my husband said Uber (the taxi service here in SF) delivers a 6' tree with stand to your apartment (tree included) for about $120. hmmm

Candy S said...

Love your home! The tree is big, beautiful, and shines with the light of Christmas. Make sure if you downsize that you have enough storage. I had to rent a storage unit for years at 75.00 per month.

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Your tree looks perfect! The tartan ribbon goes so well with your ornaments. You always do a great job. Selling your home? I've missed a lot. Have a very Merry Christmas! Liz

Lesa said...

Say it ain't so! I feel like almost live in that house I love it sooooo much.

Carol S. said...

I admire your outlook Delores. Not worried about a strand of blinking lights on top, contemplative about a move, but not melodramatic or panicky (on the outside.) I keep saying there is joy at every stage. I do believe it, and hope to experience it. You too. Love your blog, love your tree and am using your ribbon winding as an inspiration for mine.

Sarah said...

Delores, you have one of the most beautiful homes filled with exquisite treasures, yet you always know how to keep things real. I admire you on so many different levels, my friend.
The tree is gorgeous beribboned in tartan. I know you will enjoy a huge family Christmas in your home. Happy Holidays to you and your dear family. ~ Sarah

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Delores your tree looks beautiful...I love the addition of the ribbon!

Terri~terrileeauthor said...

I hear you loud and clear. Every year it takes me longer and longer to decorate the house. This year, I didn't even unpack some of the decor, I just didn't have the energy to do it. Sad. But I'm all about scaling back a little bit lately. And it seems to be working just fine.

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