Oh Christmas Tree

Funny how things change.  Funny how the same Christmas decorations that looked beautiful in a 115+ year old house don't look so beautiful in a brand new house.  Funny how that ten foot slim artificial tree just looked out of place.  And most everything else looked out of place too.  

So I did something a little different this year, which meant I didn't do much at all.

We scrapped the artificial tree.  We bought a live tree instead.  My OCD was out of control looking at the non symmetrical branches at first, but it quickly grew on me.  It was warmer, and homier.  I didn't put 1000 glass balls on it like I usually do, I just put up a few of my favorites.  

It was pretty.  But it wasn't the gleaming beacon of gold that I was used to.  But I liked it.

And of course I put up my favorite Christmas decoration ever.  The "kids tree".  I could never have Christmas without 24 years of homemade ornaments on display.  And the stockings.  Those are a must.

Of course Archie made his appearance.  Remember we do not have an obnoxious elf that partakes in any sort of shenanigans.  We have a sweet elf that strictly likes to hang out with us from December 1st till Christmas morning when he goes back with Santa.  He does have a new hiding place every morning, but that's it.  Jack commented that he is afraid Archie might be lonely, so I think he will have a friend next year that happens to be a girl elf.  We will see.  

And what to do about the outside?  I tried to keep it classy and simple.  I hung wreaths on the outside and made fancy wreaths for the double entry doors.  I wish I had taken a better picture of the door wreaths.  There is also a wooden snowman on the front porch.  The kids were bugging us about lights, but I pushed that off for another year.  

I suppose it will take several years to replenish my Christmas decoration supply with things that fit this particular house.  I suppose I will have to be patient, and take my time figuring out what avenue to take and what theme to use.  

All was not lost, as I was able to pass down the decorations to the girls to use in the house I purchased them for.  They have a beautifully decorated house and that warms my heart.