Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Oh, Christmas Tree(s) in the House!

Each year the decorations here seem to be fewer and fewer. The garland and bows are missing from the front of the house... however, I did manage a wreath on the front door! Mr. and Mrs. Snowman aka Jer and Nandie, thanks to our granddaughter many years ago, are out. The Christmas china is still in the cabinet as are the napkins and the tea towels. A few candles have appeared around the house. The Nativity is in its place of honor. The mantle is dusted, but pretty much the same as always. Thank goodness, the motivation was here for the big tree, the little tree, and the silver tree. Each has a story... 




The big tree is done in memory of my dear friend who passed away 10 years ago and loved Christmas more than anyone I have ever known. The last Christmas card she sent from her family to ours graces the branches as does Angel Gayle near the top of the tree. 






The small tree sitting snugly in a galvanized pail on the hearth is very rustic featuring several hand carved wooden ornaments purchased by our son when he was a little guy. We may have the only tree in town with a cross and a Star of David.  The late C. M. Copeland, a gifted local artist, rendered many beautiful wooden animals over the years. I know, at some point, I will have to hand these over to him and our precious daughter-in-love... maybe next year...



Metallic silver all aglow from within by LED lights that change from white to pink to red to blue. This little one in the dining room shines in memory of my parents and their wonderful aluminum tree with the rotating color wheel. 






Christmas trees are always an opportunity to revisit Christmas past, enjoy the present, and look forward to new memories in years ahead. Our trees have changed over the years. Ornaments are added and lost and all very special in their own way.  The little sequined Mary Engelbreit teapot ornament is one of the last gifts from my sweet "chosen sister" Cindy, who left us much too soon. The little cork reindeer were a gift from son and d-i-l...I am sure no wine was wasted in the pursuit of making these cuties!  

Once the trees are up, I am reluctant to take them down. Mama used to call January 6th "Old Christmas Day"... I am not sure why, but since that is Epiphany, it is a good excuse to enjoy the glow a bit longer! 


Join Jane over at Small But Charming for Christmas in Da House festivities. 

Hope your holidays are filled with love...

May your days be merry and bright! 

Click below for one of my favorite Christmas songs (There are some pretty pictures to go along with the tune!) about my part of the world!

Christmas in Dixie by Alabama featuring Kenny Chesney


P. S. In full disclosure... they are all artificial. Many years ago when our son was a toddler and suffered from severe bouts of asthmatic bronchitis, we were cautioned by our wonderful family doctor about having a "live" tree in our home. The possibility of mold, mildew, and pollen causing an allergic reaction were just too great to take the chance. The tradition continues... better safe than sorry!











16 comments:

  1. These are auch special trees with stories to match. Thank you for I citing us I to your world. Memories and far better than ribbons outside.

    Love and happiest of holidays.

    Xo J

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    1. Thanks for the party, Jane. I agree...the memories are the best!

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  2. A perfect trip of trees. I love them all, and the stories that go with them.
    Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones!
    xo, Jen

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    1. Thanks for dropping in, Jen. Sharing made these extra special this year!

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  3. Thanks for the link to the Kenny Chesney version of a Christmas in Dixie. I was touched by the Christmas trees in memory of folks with you now only in spirit.

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    1. Appreciate your visit, Heather. Hope you enjoyed a Southern Christmas tune! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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  4. I will echo the lovely comments above, Susan and do admire how you are honoring those now gone with each tree. The rustic tree on the hearth really touches me and would look quite at home in Denver. It 's snowing mildly down here in the city
    but really piling it on up in the moun-
    tains right now. Warm holiday and Christmas wishes to you & your family and friends.
    Diane in Denver

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    1. Diane... Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I agree, the little tree would be right at home out West. Sending good wishes for a very Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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  5. Dear Susan,
    wow - more than one Christmas tree - and such beauties! Mine is still waiting in the parlor - will make it pretty in a jiffy - and then Christmas can beginn. I had a lot to do in the last weeks (who hasn't?), but will be back in blogland soon. I want to thank you for your lovely posts and comments - you are a person I am sure who is a wonderful friend. Enjoy your holidays, I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas! Britta XXX

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    1. Britta... I can hardly stand to take them down once the holiday is over! I wonder if I could get away with leaving them and being known as the "eccentric old woman with the Christmas trees?" Perhaps in a few years...maybe I am not quite there yet! Your words were so kind and appreciated... I fancy we might be fast friends in real life... Since I consider you a very special blog friend! Merry Christmas to you and yours! on Oh, Christmas Tree(s) in the House!
      Remove content | Delete | Spam

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    2. Thank you, Susan! You know that the German author Heinrich Bรถll wrote a very funny short story, "Nicht nur zur Weihnachtszeit" (Not only at Christmas) upon a woman who stopped everyone who tried to take the Christmas tree down?
      To enjoy something I think there must be change :-)

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    3. Oh my... That maybe me!! Would love to read the short story!

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  6. SUSAN!!!! You are back!!! Merry belated Christmas (I tried connecting to the internet from where I am to wish you a Merry Christmas, but couldn't until now). I love the stories and the memories you cherish with your Christmas decoration. I love Christmas decoration too and wish I could leave it up year round. Happy New Year dear Susan. I hope I can visit you often next year.

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    1. Thanks, Christa! You are always so kind to check in here! I hope that you and yours had a splendid Christmas. Sending good wishes for a Happy 2015!

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  7. Real trees made our daughter ill too, so we have an artificial. Yours are all lovely - made even more so by the stories woven around them. My parents always called January 6th "Old Christmas" as well.

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    1. With a pang of sadness, the trees came down on Jan. 6th. Since they are stored in the building out back, we were trying to beat the rain! Hope you are settling in to your home! Thanks for dropping by. Happy 2015!

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