I'm thinking the tree will be staying up through all of January. This is because: a) we're out of town for Christmas, and I want to enjoy it a little longer. b) There's just nothing like sitting on the couch relaxing with the tree lights twinkling, and c) The thought of taking it down right after Christmas is so not appealing to me at the moment! Amazingly, Sam doesn't really go near it all that much. Only one ornament casualty so far this year.
Unpacking the ornaments and remembering each one is a ritual I always look forward to. They all have special memories and many were handmade or given to us by friends. These are some of my favorites.
This vintage-inspired bird ornament was a gift from Holly. She even hand-stitched the strawberry. Isn't this the sweetest thing?
I bought this cute one from Analise at Silver Bella.
Sam's 1st Christmas baby bootie ornament.
Mario's 1st Christmas candy cane.
A favorite mercury glass pine cone.
Some pink ones I like.
A sweet little cone made by my friend Pam.
These pretty flocked bells were a gift from Dana.
You know what they say, "Once a Marine, always a Marine". {this is George's contribution to the tree!}
A sea shell from a vacation to Hilton Head Island.
A vintage ornament from Pam. Love this!
Just Married.
Vintage Lambie.
Just an old one I like a lot.
I glittered a load of pine cones again this year and tucked them into the tree here and there. Then I placed some on the mantle's garland as well. I just love the way they look, almost frosted. And it's always nice to have natural elements incorporated among the glass and other decorations.
There are more ornaments hanging other places too. We have another pine garland wrapped around the railing that leads upstairs, and this is where we hang our annual family ornaments. Here is last year's:
And the one we got this year:
The boys have colored lights strung around the playroom and a small tree with some of their "toy" ornaments like this train I got for Mario this year.
So nice to see all of these ornaments come out of their safe wrapping each year and to play Christmas music while we trim the tree.
We're at my parents' house now, for the week, and as I type this I'm sitting by their tree while my dad snores on the couch, my mom reads a magazine and George alternates between snoozing and watching TV. All around their cozy tree full of lights and memories. Christmas trees are magical, aren't they?
I just love your ornaments. Christmas trees are truly magical.
Posted by: Iris | December 21, 2008 at 10:30 PM
sounds like great times and memories being made......enjoy!
xoxo, Tiffany
Posted by: tiffany ~ shabby scraps | December 22, 2008 at 01:57 AM
OOohw...Me want..me want...but can't!
So pretty! Have four cats, they like to have a contest,who can go the highest in the tree! Needless to say, unbreakable ornaments and tree bolted to the wall( for real).
Merry Christmas, thanks for sharing,
Andrea.
Posted by: andrea gilsdorf | December 22, 2008 at 08:48 AM
A beautiful tree and such special ornaments. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!
Karla
Posted by: Karla | December 22, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Everything looks so beautiful:) You really do have the loveliest ornaments & decorations! Enjoy the holiday with your family...may it be a merry Christmas for all of you:)
Posted by: Leah C | December 22, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Andrea,
what beautiful decorations! Love them. Where did you get our flower lights on your tree? I have been looking for those. Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Angie | December 22, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Wonderful memories. I never get tired of looking at my ornaments. Each one has a special memory.
Have a great Christmas!
Peggh
http://pegslifeinthebuttonjar.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Peggy | December 22, 2008 at 01:17 PM
fabulous decorations Andrea!! I LOVE all the ornaments and the special meanings they have for you!! The happiest of holiday wishes for you and your sweet family!!
xoxo Britt :-)
Posted by: britt- sparkledvintagecharm | December 22, 2008 at 01:31 PM
i would love to follow your blog..but apparently blogger has a limit and i have reached it...bad blogger !
your decor is just what soothes and excites this muse's soul ! fantastic :)
Posted by: The Muse | December 22, 2008 at 03:39 PM
i would love to follow your blog..but apparently blogger has a limit and i have reached it...bad blogger !
your decor is just what soothes and excites this muse's soul ! fantastic :)
Posted by: The Muse | December 22, 2008 at 03:39 PM
i would love to follow your blog..but apparently blogger has a limit and i have reached it...bad blogger !
your decor is just what soothes and excites this muse's soul ! fantastic :)
Posted by: The Muse | December 22, 2008 at 03:39 PM
i would love to follow your blog..but apparently blogger has a limit and i have reached it...bad blogger !
your decor is just what soothes and excites this muse's soul ! fantastic :)
Posted by: The Muse | December 22, 2008 at 03:40 PM
Love, love, love your tree and all the beautiful ornaments! xo, suzy
Posted by: GeorgiaPeachez | December 22, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Oh I do the same when taking out each and every ornament! So sad when it all has to come down and be tucked away for another year.
I just wanted to take this time to wish you and your precious family a very Merry Christmas!
Hugs and Blessings,
Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca | December 22, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Thank You Andrea for sharing your "Starter Moments" of your Christmas with us. I turned off the monitor and just listen to your music line up while getting started on a challenge that I'm doing. Happy happies and Happy Christmas.
Posted by: joyce | December 23, 2008 at 12:02 AM
Hey sweets,
All your ornies are fab!!
i love the old and the new with your names on them.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
oxoxox,
jessi
Posted by: jessi nagy | December 23, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Hope you have a lovely time with your family Andrea! Your ornaments are divine and I love the natural touch on the mantel. If I lived there, I'd keep it all up for January too!
Have a beautiful Christmas, catch up with you in the new year, Natasha xoxo
Posted by: Natasha Burns | December 23, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Andrea, what beautiful, soothing colors!
Everything's so pretty, pretty!
Merry Christmas !
Diane
Posted by: Diane Knott | December 23, 2008 at 06:57 PM
Oh your tree is absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Michelle | December 23, 2008 at 11:18 PM
Merry Christmas and a Shabby New Year !!
Happy Holidays to you and your family ~ May your 2009 bring Blessings, Prosperity, Vintage Beauties and Flea Markets !!
Nessy X X (Australia)
Posted by: Nessy | December 24, 2008 at 01:58 AM
So, so pretty - just like you :o)
Thank you for sharing all your Christmas loveliness with us.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas & a New Year filled to the brim with all sorts of wonderful things :o)
Lots of love from across the ocean,
Candice
xoxoxo
Posted by: Candice | December 24, 2008 at 03:48 AM
Merry Christmas, Andrea. Thank you for all the inspiration you share all through the year.
~Lallee
Posted by: Lallee | December 24, 2008 at 08:27 AM
So very pretty! I love all your little ornaments! Merry Christmas !Come by for some birthday fun ,I'm having a giveaway!
Posted by: Andrea | December 24, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Oh yeaaahh! Love Christmas trees filled with memories... I love doing mine this way, too! Your ornaments are wonderful, and your decorations stunning!
I wish you a blessed day,
Monica.
Posted by: The White Bench | December 25, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Your tree is beautiful! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.
Posted by: Jeanne | December 27, 2008 at 08:25 PM