I was always a white lights person, but this year when we put up the tree, the "lifetime" supply of white lights that always seemed to be in the Christmas bin wasn't there. I vaguely remembered throwing away that no longer functioning strands of lights last year. All we had were a short string of colored and a short string of blue, so we used them both. It's lovely and different, and I bought a box of white lights to go back to next year.
One of my favorite parts of putting up the tree is the stories behind the ornaments, who made it or gifted it, where we bought it, why we chose it ... my kids have learned to stories and will tell me as they pull them out.
I love the creative life reflection prompts and somewhere between the track meet and driving a kid to the mall (not my favorite thing even during non-holiday time) I plan to sit down and spend sometime with those.
I love that you went with the color for the year and are enjoying it — even if you go back. Having the ability switch between colors has been really good — my mom visits and doesn’t like the white at all. lol. We make good use of the “in-between” setting (a soft color set). I so love hearing people say things like this about ornaments. They really can hold such beautiful memories. I don’t know how old your children may be, but I am warmed to hear of your traditions. And I am glad that the simple reflection questions may be helpful. They are short so that it doesn’t take a lot to do them, but I think the process can be helpful. (The “new year” set that I’ll post later fits in with them.) Thanks for reading and commenting. I hope you all have a beautiful holiday.
"only my need to mark these dates giving it a dog-eared corner in my head" - a dog-eared corner of anything reminds me of deep connections to that thing or memories connected to that thing and so much love. We have little white lights on our mantel all year round, and thought we plug them in almost every evening, Advent and Christmas lends a softer glow, if only for the memories attached. Merry Christmas, Amy. ❤️ 🎄
Thank you, Mary, for calling out that line and for sharing this about the mantle lights. I love that you do that — AND that you still appreciate them at the holidays. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, too. ❤️
A long time ago, when my children were little, I, too, walked into a magical ornament store. And like you, I left without buying anything. It was too overwhelming.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Fran — and for the postcard, which I received this week! Those kinds of stores can, really, be hard when making decisions is a challenge. I hope you all have a warm week and a good set of holidays.
I have always alternated between white lights and colored mayhem. I left my tangle of old lights behind in the move and had the opportunity to start fresh this year and I had a lot of trouble deciding. I ended up going rainbow, partly to keep the pride vibe going in my neighborhood, and partly because it seemed like it might be more fun.
I have always loved a tree, and I have a collection of ornaments made by my paternal great grandmother and my maternal grandmother that I love to display. At some point my kids stopped caring thought, and it got to be a lot of work for just myself. At some point I will find a good way to get those ornaments out.
I think the “it’s a lot of work” mindset is what I (now) fear. That isn’t why I left it up initially, but now I’m seeing that might be a reality. I always wish you would set up at least a small one for you (but I know about the cats, too). I am glad you have lights up though - colored lights are beautiful, and if they bring a smile, all the better. Wishing you and the boys a really happy, gratitude-filled week.
My Mom has this really cool iron tree that is pre-lit and folds flat. If I ever find something like it that I can afford I will grab it. It is a great way to put up ornaments and it is relatively indestructible (Edmund, this is not a challenge).
I saw some viral videos this year calling trees with family/sentimental ornaments “chaos trees” - it’s definitely us. Nearly all are family handme downs, kid-created crafts, or tourist tchotchkes. I don’t see it as chaotic, I always thought my acquaintances with perfectly themed and color matched ornaments were some sort of diabolical.
Oh, that is too funny - chaos trees. I bet your tree is wonderful with the handmade and family ornaments. I love that. So funny about the perfectly themed trees— hah! Thanks for reading, Lauren, and I hope you have a beautiful holiday this year in your new place with family close!
Lauren, we are cut from similar cloth! I am so not a themed or color-coordinated tree kind of girl. I've known a number of people who revised their decorating approach and went with blue and silver trees, or nothing but balls, or beach themes. Not only does that not fit who I am, I am horrified by the idea of discarding or giving away all the wonderfully different ornaments that have come into my life across the years! 😂 Diabolical made me laugh out loud!
Haha thank you for sharing! It really is something that kind of hits me in the gut! I guess the personal ornaments are so special to me each year, it kind of shocks and makes me feel sad for people that don’t see it that way. I am sure they have their own personal sentimental things that I don’t- Christmas china or knitwear or something!
I had to leave most of my stuff back in ohio when I left, so I'm starting from scratch this year. My tree and decorations came from someone who'd generously posted them on a freebie website, but they're beautiful and I was so grateful for them. The lights on the tree are white. I've done both colored and white lights over the years and I like both. The colors remind me of my childhood and how our tree was always a mashup of different types of ornaments, all sentimental, all with origin stories. We had ornaments made by the kids, photo ornaments, creations from when I was learning to crochet, Disney stuff, retro glass ornaments from the 70's; long, skinny resin Santas, metal bells, mom's musical Elvis ornaments(😅), and a special engraved Christmas tree ornament with our last name on it. It's kind of crazy and amusing to me that the year I get my decorations from a stranger's mashup of old ornaments, everything matches for the first time ever. Lol. My tree looks more put together than I do. I almost feel like I should put something totally mismatched on it just to keep it true to myself. 🤪 My sister sent me some new ornaments, so now it has the one thing I felt it was truly missing: something of my family.
I bet your tree was amazing — just your memories of what was on it and the eclectic feel make that clear. Starting over may feel bittersweet this year, but maybe having that initial base from a stranger is just enough to seed your own new collection in your new place. I’m glad that your sister sent ornaments to help connect your with family …. Added to the other ornaments this year, you’ve already started your own new blend. I am sure it is beautiful — and it is yours. It will grow and evolve with the years. Trees are lovely that way. I hope your first year in your new state will be beautiful for you, Cody, and the rest of the family that is there. Happy Holidays, Susan.
Having a tree up all year is hard for me to contemplate. My small space feels overcrowded and overwhelming for me with a tree.
I decided no tree this year. I have a white twig tree I quite like and a small table top flocked tree I like as well but this year I do not feel like bringing stuff up and then taking it back to the storage locker. I still have lots of Santa and snowman folk art pieces that I painted years ago. They are also downstairs. Only the Santa riding a chicken made it upstairs this year and my door wreath.
I have a few strings of white lights up on my patio and on my mantle.
My red Amaryllis bloomed early and shared 3 stems and 17 blooms in all. I decided to grab a few more bulbs at 1/2 price yesterday to see if they will bloom by January. One stem was all bent over from being in a box but in just 12 hours it is trying hard to straighten out under my grow lights. I doubt these 2 bulbs will be as magnificent as that last one.
I used to buy 2 of every ornament thinking someday I would give each child 1/2 of the ornaments and these would mean something but mostly they have their own ornaments and ideas for decor.
We always had a real tree as a family. Even now one daughter has a real tree each year. I used to paint wooden Santa’s and snowmen for my tree and buy handmade ornaments at craft shows. One year a Dutch friend crocheted a bunch of beautiful snowflakes for me.
My condo building keeps getting more artificial trees donated each year as residents upgrade to new ones. At last count there were 7! I think only 4 are up in the lobby’s They did put up loads of lights and many many inflatable creatures. Can’t say I am fond of those!
Oh those inflatable decorations! Lol. While I wish you did have one of your small trees up, Gail, I think that having a lobby that is decorated sounds really nice, too. I bet the Santa riding on the chicken helps keep your space festive. I saw you mention the 17 blooms on that amaryllis in our coffee chat, and I’m amazed! This is the first year I’ve had one in a very long time, and there are two stems growing (almost before our eyes, which is fascinating). One is just getting ready to open, but I can’t even imagine five or more blooms per stem! I hope the bulbs you bought do well. Do you have good luck putting them away and getting them out year after year?
I hope you have a wonderful week and time with your grandkids. ❤️
I'm so glad you kept the tree up. Lighted or not, it's been a powerful presence in your home and for your family. Happy Christmas, Amy to you and yours. Sending all my love. xo
If I do it will be because I am not sure it would ever go up again otherwise. Thanks for reading, Nan. I really hope that you have a warm final stretch of the year and enjoy some time, food (yes, enjoy it), laughter, and friends. Wishing you a peaceful start to Hanukkah this week, too. Knowing your writing, I’m sure there is much in your head and heart this week. ❤️
Wistful; ribbon; not indoors, but deciduous trees everywhere with most of the leaves gone so you can see the silhouettes of their shapes, many with beautiful twisty branches; I will draw one of these trees this week.
Yes! I keep a journal every year (500+ pages), and it's mostly a solid block of text, no matter how much I keep thinking I want to do small watercolor sketches in it several times a week. I want to change that in 2025! You have motivated me!
I would love to participate in the Dec. 31 Zoom sketching. Can you send me the deets and link?
Thank you for being you, Amy. You have gone through a difficult year with grace and courage. Your ability to find connections among everything is rare, wonderful, and inspiring. Have a blessed holiday and new year.
I can imagine these trees, their branches and silhouettes, and I hope you capture them! I love knowing that you are looking to add watercolor sketches to your journal. It can be such a beautiful way to combine our documentation and art. Thank you for your kind words. Continuing to write has, of course, been so important to me, but that process has been aided by the kind support from readers here who have read and commented this year. I really take to heart the kindness of your words since I often don’t feel I have managed things with much grace.
I would love to have you participate on NYE. I will send the info.
I want it to be up next December….leaving it up may be the most straightforward way to accomplish that. Crazy, I know. Hoping you and R are enjoying a wonderful December…food, lights, laughter, dog cuteness, and making memories everywhere. Have a beautiful holiday, Christmas, and Hannukah, Debbie. Thank you for reading — and for seeing the solstice words. Just knowing you are out there has meant more than you know. ❤️
I love having a tree up and I love my chaos decor style as well. But for the second year I haven’t put any ornaments on because of a young cat. Maybe next year when she’s over 2. The ornaments for me are the best part, so I’m a little sad. But my daughter made a garland of tiny white stars made of baking soda and corn starch clay and it’s wonderful! And it makes this year unique. We also put on some red cowbells that the kitty does not like, hoping she’d stay away, but she just learned to tolerate them! Lol.
I’m a white light gal—the ornaments are the color! That’s my thought anyway.
I’m getting ready for a new year and getting back on the “drawing every day” bandwagon is so appealing. Like you, I’m learning to draw on an iPad as well, and my time is split. My daughter suggested a digital daily journal. Maybe. . . But there’s something I love about the paper and pencils and ink.
I’ve got swirling thoughts today about life and goals and Christmas traveling. I hope you can find joyful and meaningful moments this week and whatever you need comes to you!
I hope you had a wonderful holiday. Kittens can definitely pose a tree problem! All those shiny, moving things! I’m glad to hear you have drawing goals for the new year, and I hope you are enjoying your iPad exploration. It’s such a different feeling. Goodnotes is a great option if you do decide to explore a digital planner (if you aren’t already using it).
I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas, and I love the ribbon note. I thinks it’s awesome when people love the wrapping part! I bet the Harry Potter tree is cool. I’m curious now about the ornaments! All houses? Sounds cool.
So many Christmas tree thoughts. There was always a big traditional fir with all the legacy ornaments at my parents house; we’d fly in from all over.
But my favorite was one of my own, when I lived in the top floor of an old Victorian in a snowy northern city. There was a dilapidated screen porch off the kitchen. It was pretty useless because there wasn’t a door to it from inside the apartment — you had to go out the back door into the freezing hallway and then break through a constantly and impossibly stuck wooden door to get out onto the porch. We used to run the dogs down by the river, and over the course of the fall hauled back big, dead, oak branches —many with their dried leaves still attached. We threaded them through the open windows of my ancient Jetta, dropping some through the (hand cranked!) sunroof, and hauled them back home and up the crazy-steep and rickety two-flight staircase to my porch. I set up an autumn forest out there so that you couldn’t see the freeway, although you could hear it as a sort of white noise in the distance. I spent days winding tiny white lights around all of those bare branches and then, as Christmas approached, added tiny folk ornaments. So when you walked through the dark apartment to the kitchen and looked out those giant old casement windows you’d see this magical twinkling oak forest light up just outside. It was incredible. The sound of the freeway became the whoosh of wind, and sometimes I would just stand in the dark kitchen, all the lights in the apartment out, looking. I was so young. There was so much I didn’t know. I’m heartened that I actually took a moment to appreciate what I did not see as fleeting.
Wow… that sounds like a truly magical treescape you created. That must have been beautiful — and it sounds like it was a real labor of love. The characterization of the porch itself and the difficulty getting to it is great, too. That sounds like a good place to have spent some time.
I’m working on my December postcards and now that I’m past the math and measuring and paper engineering phase, I can listen to podcasts while I sort color and shape. Last night I started my CMP archive with your original “I left the Christmas tree up“ and the episodes leading up to it, and then went back to the snow globe conversation you recommended in one of those. When I had cleaned up all my inks and brushes and towels and pencils and laid out my series of snowflake experiments to dry, I crawled into bed and slowly, sweetly fell asleep thinking about what would be in my snow globe. What a gift. Thank you, Amy.
Wanna tell me what episode that even was…. The “tree up”? Too funny because I have no clue. I wasn’t sure I had talked about it, but I guess I did. Your postcards and snowflake art sounds very intensive, a precision undertaking….. with one hand? That’s dedication. I hope you had fun — and I’m glad that those old shows provided some company, too. I think about the snow globe a lot.
All the best for the season Amy
Thank you so much, Sue. I hope you have a peaceful holiday and a good final stretch of the year.
I was always a white lights person, but this year when we put up the tree, the "lifetime" supply of white lights that always seemed to be in the Christmas bin wasn't there. I vaguely remembered throwing away that no longer functioning strands of lights last year. All we had were a short string of colored and a short string of blue, so we used them both. It's lovely and different, and I bought a box of white lights to go back to next year.
One of my favorite parts of putting up the tree is the stories behind the ornaments, who made it or gifted it, where we bought it, why we chose it ... my kids have learned to stories and will tell me as they pull them out.
I love the creative life reflection prompts and somewhere between the track meet and driving a kid to the mall (not my favorite thing even during non-holiday time) I plan to sit down and spend sometime with those.
I love that you went with the color for the year and are enjoying it — even if you go back. Having the ability switch between colors has been really good — my mom visits and doesn’t like the white at all. lol. We make good use of the “in-between” setting (a soft color set). I so love hearing people say things like this about ornaments. They really can hold such beautiful memories. I don’t know how old your children may be, but I am warmed to hear of your traditions. And I am glad that the simple reflection questions may be helpful. They are short so that it doesn’t take a lot to do them, but I think the process can be helpful. (The “new year” set that I’ll post later fits in with them.) Thanks for reading and commenting. I hope you all have a beautiful holiday.
"only my need to mark these dates giving it a dog-eared corner in my head" - a dog-eared corner of anything reminds me of deep connections to that thing or memories connected to that thing and so much love. We have little white lights on our mantel all year round, and thought we plug them in almost every evening, Advent and Christmas lends a softer glow, if only for the memories attached. Merry Christmas, Amy. ❤️ 🎄
Thank you, Mary, for calling out that line and for sharing this about the mantle lights. I love that you do that — AND that you still appreciate them at the holidays. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, too. ❤️
A long time ago, when my children were little, I, too, walked into a magical ornament store. And like you, I left without buying anything. It was too overwhelming.
Thank you, Amy, for another fine post.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Fran — and for the postcard, which I received this week! Those kinds of stores can, really, be hard when making decisions is a challenge. I hope you all have a warm week and a good set of holidays.
I have always alternated between white lights and colored mayhem. I left my tangle of old lights behind in the move and had the opportunity to start fresh this year and I had a lot of trouble deciding. I ended up going rainbow, partly to keep the pride vibe going in my neighborhood, and partly because it seemed like it might be more fun.
I have always loved a tree, and I have a collection of ornaments made by my paternal great grandmother and my maternal grandmother that I love to display. At some point my kids stopped caring thought, and it got to be a lot of work for just myself. At some point I will find a good way to get those ornaments out.
I think the “it’s a lot of work” mindset is what I (now) fear. That isn’t why I left it up initially, but now I’m seeing that might be a reality. I always wish you would set up at least a small one for you (but I know about the cats, too). I am glad you have lights up though - colored lights are beautiful, and if they bring a smile, all the better. Wishing you and the boys a really happy, gratitude-filled week.
My Mom has this really cool iron tree that is pre-lit and folds flat. If I ever find something like it that I can afford I will grab it. It is a great way to put up ornaments and it is relatively indestructible (Edmund, this is not a challenge).
I saw some viral videos this year calling trees with family/sentimental ornaments “chaos trees” - it’s definitely us. Nearly all are family handme downs, kid-created crafts, or tourist tchotchkes. I don’t see it as chaotic, I always thought my acquaintances with perfectly themed and color matched ornaments were some sort of diabolical.
Oh, that is too funny - chaos trees. I bet your tree is wonderful with the handmade and family ornaments. I love that. So funny about the perfectly themed trees— hah! Thanks for reading, Lauren, and I hope you have a beautiful holiday this year in your new place with family close!
Thanks Amy. I don’t get sentimental about much but our chaos tree is full of sentiment 💜
Lauren, we are cut from similar cloth! I am so not a themed or color-coordinated tree kind of girl. I've known a number of people who revised their decorating approach and went with blue and silver trees, or nothing but balls, or beach themes. Not only does that not fit who I am, I am horrified by the idea of discarding or giving away all the wonderfully different ornaments that have come into my life across the years! 😂 Diabolical made me laugh out loud!
Haha thank you for sharing! It really is something that kind of hits me in the gut! I guess the personal ornaments are so special to me each year, it kind of shocks and makes me feel sad for people that don’t see it that way. I am sure they have their own personal sentimental things that I don’t- Christmas china or knitwear or something!
I had to leave most of my stuff back in ohio when I left, so I'm starting from scratch this year. My tree and decorations came from someone who'd generously posted them on a freebie website, but they're beautiful and I was so grateful for them. The lights on the tree are white. I've done both colored and white lights over the years and I like both. The colors remind me of my childhood and how our tree was always a mashup of different types of ornaments, all sentimental, all with origin stories. We had ornaments made by the kids, photo ornaments, creations from when I was learning to crochet, Disney stuff, retro glass ornaments from the 70's; long, skinny resin Santas, metal bells, mom's musical Elvis ornaments(😅), and a special engraved Christmas tree ornament with our last name on it. It's kind of crazy and amusing to me that the year I get my decorations from a stranger's mashup of old ornaments, everything matches for the first time ever. Lol. My tree looks more put together than I do. I almost feel like I should put something totally mismatched on it just to keep it true to myself. 🤪 My sister sent me some new ornaments, so now it has the one thing I felt it was truly missing: something of my family.
I bet your tree was amazing — just your memories of what was on it and the eclectic feel make that clear. Starting over may feel bittersweet this year, but maybe having that initial base from a stranger is just enough to seed your own new collection in your new place. I’m glad that your sister sent ornaments to help connect your with family …. Added to the other ornaments this year, you’ve already started your own new blend. I am sure it is beautiful — and it is yours. It will grow and evolve with the years. Trees are lovely that way. I hope your first year in your new state will be beautiful for you, Cody, and the rest of the family that is there. Happy Holidays, Susan.
Amy,
All the best to you and the boys and your Mom.
Having a tree up all year is hard for me to contemplate. My small space feels overcrowded and overwhelming for me with a tree.
I decided no tree this year. I have a white twig tree I quite like and a small table top flocked tree I like as well but this year I do not feel like bringing stuff up and then taking it back to the storage locker. I still have lots of Santa and snowman folk art pieces that I painted years ago. They are also downstairs. Only the Santa riding a chicken made it upstairs this year and my door wreath.
I have a few strings of white lights up on my patio and on my mantle.
My red Amaryllis bloomed early and shared 3 stems and 17 blooms in all. I decided to grab a few more bulbs at 1/2 price yesterday to see if they will bloom by January. One stem was all bent over from being in a box but in just 12 hours it is trying hard to straighten out under my grow lights. I doubt these 2 bulbs will be as magnificent as that last one.
I used to buy 2 of every ornament thinking someday I would give each child 1/2 of the ornaments and these would mean something but mostly they have their own ornaments and ideas for decor.
We always had a real tree as a family. Even now one daughter has a real tree each year. I used to paint wooden Santa’s and snowmen for my tree and buy handmade ornaments at craft shows. One year a Dutch friend crocheted a bunch of beautiful snowflakes for me.
My condo building keeps getting more artificial trees donated each year as residents upgrade to new ones. At last count there were 7! I think only 4 are up in the lobby’s They did put up loads of lights and many many inflatable creatures. Can’t say I am fond of those!
Oh those inflatable decorations! Lol. While I wish you did have one of your small trees up, Gail, I think that having a lobby that is decorated sounds really nice, too. I bet the Santa riding on the chicken helps keep your space festive. I saw you mention the 17 blooms on that amaryllis in our coffee chat, and I’m amazed! This is the first year I’ve had one in a very long time, and there are two stems growing (almost before our eyes, which is fascinating). One is just getting ready to open, but I can’t even imagine five or more blooms per stem! I hope the bulbs you bought do well. Do you have good luck putting them away and getting them out year after year?
I hope you have a wonderful week and time with your grandkids. ❤️
I'm so glad you kept the tree up. Lighted or not, it's been a powerful presence in your home and for your family. Happy Christmas, Amy to you and yours. Sending all my love. xo
If I do it will be because I am not sure it would ever go up again otherwise. Thanks for reading, Nan. I really hope that you have a warm final stretch of the year and enjoy some time, food (yes, enjoy it), laughter, and friends. Wishing you a peaceful start to Hanukkah this week, too. Knowing your writing, I’m sure there is much in your head and heart this week. ❤️
Thanks, Amy! I think I'm going to publish this week's piece after midnight tonight. It's definitely got a holiday tone. It's a bit irreverent, but...
I hope you have a peaceful and love-filled time with your family. xo
Looking forward to seeing it.
It was fun to write, and a bit silly...and yet, not. xo
Wistful; ribbon; not indoors, but deciduous trees everywhere with most of the leaves gone so you can see the silhouettes of their shapes, many with beautiful twisty branches; I will draw one of these trees this week.
Yes! I keep a journal every year (500+ pages), and it's mostly a solid block of text, no matter how much I keep thinking I want to do small watercolor sketches in it several times a week. I want to change that in 2025! You have motivated me!
I would love to participate in the Dec. 31 Zoom sketching. Can you send me the deets and link?
Thank you for being you, Amy. You have gone through a difficult year with grace and courage. Your ability to find connections among everything is rare, wonderful, and inspiring. Have a blessed holiday and new year.
I can imagine these trees, their branches and silhouettes, and I hope you capture them! I love knowing that you are looking to add watercolor sketches to your journal. It can be such a beautiful way to combine our documentation and art. Thank you for your kind words. Continuing to write has, of course, been so important to me, but that process has been aided by the kind support from readers here who have read and commented this year. I really take to heart the kindness of your words since I often don’t feel I have managed things with much grace.
I would love to have you participate on NYE. I will send the info.
I hope you have a warm and peaceful week. ❤️
Please keep the tree up if you want to. Sending love on your anniversary and the holiday and so much love to you and the boys in the new year.
I want it to be up next December….leaving it up may be the most straightforward way to accomplish that. Crazy, I know. Hoping you and R are enjoying a wonderful December…food, lights, laughter, dog cuteness, and making memories everywhere. Have a beautiful holiday, Christmas, and Hannukah, Debbie. Thank you for reading — and for seeing the solstice words. Just knowing you are out there has meant more than you know. ❤️
I love having a tree up and I love my chaos decor style as well. But for the second year I haven’t put any ornaments on because of a young cat. Maybe next year when she’s over 2. The ornaments for me are the best part, so I’m a little sad. But my daughter made a garland of tiny white stars made of baking soda and corn starch clay and it’s wonderful! And it makes this year unique. We also put on some red cowbells that the kitty does not like, hoping she’d stay away, but she just learned to tolerate them! Lol.
I’m a white light gal—the ornaments are the color! That’s my thought anyway.
I’m getting ready for a new year and getting back on the “drawing every day” bandwagon is so appealing. Like you, I’m learning to draw on an iPad as well, and my time is split. My daughter suggested a digital daily journal. Maybe. . . But there’s something I love about the paper and pencils and ink.
I’ve got swirling thoughts today about life and goals and Christmas traveling. I hope you can find joyful and meaningful moments this week and whatever you need comes to you!
I hope you had a wonderful holiday. Kittens can definitely pose a tree problem! All those shiny, moving things! I’m glad to hear you have drawing goals for the new year, and I hope you are enjoying your iPad exploration. It’s such a different feeling. Goodnotes is a great option if you do decide to explore a digital planner (if you aren’t already using it).
My newest favorite December decoration is our Harry Potter tee - mainly decorated with things I've made.
Also -has to be hand-tied ribbon because my husband takes wrapping VERY seriously . His presents are works of art!
I think you should leave your tree up all year- it's part of the family now ❤️❤️❤️
I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas, and I love the ribbon note. I thinks it’s awesome when people love the wrapping part! I bet the Harry Potter tree is cool. I’m curious now about the ornaments! All houses? Sounds cool.
So many Christmas tree thoughts. There was always a big traditional fir with all the legacy ornaments at my parents house; we’d fly in from all over.
But my favorite was one of my own, when I lived in the top floor of an old Victorian in a snowy northern city. There was a dilapidated screen porch off the kitchen. It was pretty useless because there wasn’t a door to it from inside the apartment — you had to go out the back door into the freezing hallway and then break through a constantly and impossibly stuck wooden door to get out onto the porch. We used to run the dogs down by the river, and over the course of the fall hauled back big, dead, oak branches —many with their dried leaves still attached. We threaded them through the open windows of my ancient Jetta, dropping some through the (hand cranked!) sunroof, and hauled them back home and up the crazy-steep and rickety two-flight staircase to my porch. I set up an autumn forest out there so that you couldn’t see the freeway, although you could hear it as a sort of white noise in the distance. I spent days winding tiny white lights around all of those bare branches and then, as Christmas approached, added tiny folk ornaments. So when you walked through the dark apartment to the kitchen and looked out those giant old casement windows you’d see this magical twinkling oak forest light up just outside. It was incredible. The sound of the freeway became the whoosh of wind, and sometimes I would just stand in the dark kitchen, all the lights in the apartment out, looking. I was so young. There was so much I didn’t know. I’m heartened that I actually took a moment to appreciate what I did not see as fleeting.
Wow… that sounds like a truly magical treescape you created. That must have been beautiful — and it sounds like it was a real labor of love. The characterization of the porch itself and the difficulty getting to it is great, too. That sounds like a good place to have spent some time.
p.s.
I’m working on my December postcards and now that I’m past the math and measuring and paper engineering phase, I can listen to podcasts while I sort color and shape. Last night I started my CMP archive with your original “I left the Christmas tree up“ and the episodes leading up to it, and then went back to the snow globe conversation you recommended in one of those. When I had cleaned up all my inks and brushes and towels and pencils and laid out my series of snowflake experiments to dry, I crawled into bed and slowly, sweetly fell asleep thinking about what would be in my snow globe. What a gift. Thank you, Amy.
Wanna tell me what episode that even was…. The “tree up”? Too funny because I have no clue. I wasn’t sure I had talked about it, but I guess I did. Your postcards and snowflake art sounds very intensive, a precision undertaking….. with one hand? That’s dedication. I hope you had fun — and I’m glad that those old shows provided some company, too. I think about the snow globe a lot.