Christmas Tree Style: For the Traditionalist

I love Christmas trees. I love everything about Christmas trees: the smell of evergreen, the twinkle at night, the ritual of untangling the lights and hanging the ornaments. This year the huz and I aren't having a tree, and frankly I'm a bit bummed. Oh sure, our reasons are sound--the kittens are too rambunctious, and we'll be traveling for part of the season--but I still feel that I'm missing out. So today, be a Christmas tree voyeur with me while I get my visual fix!

This first set of images (I have two more coming later today!) is all about the trees my family had when I was a kid. Towering, majestic, resplendent and glorious. Loaded with ornaments that my parents had been collecting since before I was born. Granted the reality for some of those trees was probably closer to Charlie Brown than Rockefeller Center, but isn't it the memories that matter?

Isn't the shape of this tree so charming? It's a little bit squat and the branches aren't as full as I generally prefer, but it makes up in personality what it lacks in size. Of course I'm sure that the broad, cozy armchair and rugged rafters are helping this scene find a place in my heart, no?

This is the tree my mother always longed for, the one that my homemade macaroni ornaments prevented her from having. A glut of pure white light, a simple metallic color scheme, stylish and festive all at once. As for my father's perfect tree? Well, we won't get into that. Let's just say it involves those colored lights that flash in a million different customizable patterns...

A nautical Christmas tree? Sure, why not? I adore the idea of themed baubles and gewgaws, especially if they reference a particular pastime or hobby that the family enjoys. Some of my most treasured ornaments are musically related--a gold piano, a delicate mobile of flutes--and recall my childhood spent playing multiple instruments.

A source of great consternation for me as a kid was the method that my parents used to keep our tree upright. Scarred by toppled trees as a result of those chintzy red and green metal stands, they would fill a giant plastic bucket with sand and wedge the tree in that. I became an expert at strategically arranging presents under the tree to hide that horrid bucket. How much nicer would a galvanized vessel have been?

So Mom, if you're reading this (and I know that you are!), this year when I come to visit maybe we can disguise that plastic bucket? A little burlap, some raw linen, and voila! In exchange, I'll hide my macaroni ornaments at the back. We'll let Dad put some flashing colored lights in the backyard, and everyone will have a happy Christmas indeed!

Tell me: Did your family have a tree when you were growing up? P.S. The new issue of Lonny Magazine is up today!

Image Credits: 1. Southern Accents 2,6. Country Living 3. Southern Living 4. Ideal Home 5. Martha Stewart 7. Inside Out Christmas

Comments

[Emily]

Such an array of trees here! We always had two trees growing up: one for the family with all the ornaments, homemade and bought, and then one smaller one for my mom that had all the white lights and special ornaments!

[Daniella]

Love how that last one is tied with burlap... very cool!

[Jaime]

Oh so pretty trees! My mom's getting the family's xmas tree this weekend- can't wait to see it :)

[Susannah @ Art Nest]

ok, after seeing this post I may need TWO trees! Great finds!

[Joanna]

I rather prefer that squat little tree.

[A Life More Fabulous]

I feel you with the Christmas tree lust - my mantle just isn't cutting it...

[Vivi]

I love Christmas trees too! The smell is such a good smell.... I can't get enough. Oh, and that top image is lovely! I'd never think purple for Xmas, but that tree is lovely!

[simplygrove]

So very cozy!!!! xx

[the domestic fringe]

I cracked up at your comment about your dad's flashing colored lights. All my husband and kids want are colored lights...I've compromised by not getting flashing ones. All the trees in the last several posts are just wonderful!

-FringeGirl

[Jessica]

I could never do an elegant tree with white lights and matching ornaments. I love being a little tacky with all sorts of mismatched ornaments. And each one has a story or a memory or is just too stunning to hide in a box!

[Susan]

love the last one!
xoxo

[16gb micro sd]

hi,
I can't get enough. Oh, and that top image is lovely!

[Hannah & Hope]

We love the Nautical tree, makes us want to have a tree up all year long.