I don’t know if you know this about me, but I can be a little obsessed with decorating. Yes, please do not fall off of your desk chair from this admission. For some reason, though, I never put a whole lot of effort into decorating our Christmas tree. And there have even been a few years (brace yourself) where I haven’t even bothered putting a tree up (take a moment to collect yourself…I’ll wait for you).
Maybe it’s because we always go “home” for Christmas; maybe it’s because it’s just my son and me and it feels like a wasted effort (I know…bad parental/Christmas attitude), but in recent years I haven’t been that into it.
I decided to put a stop to that this year - Not by going out and buying armfuls of new ornaments, or by attaching real life sparklers to our tree, but by decorating with intention. Instead of just throwing the same old random smattering of ornaments on the tree, I thought about what I really wanted the tree to look like and decorated accordingly.
I decided I wanted something soothing, calming, and sparkly this year. So I kept my red and green ornaments in the boxes and pulled out anything that was glass, silver, beaded or sparkly.
Since I don’t have a ton of ornaments, I brainstormed and decided to make the super inexpensive super easy vintage paper chain I showed you yesterday. I really like how it fills the space, but still looks subtle.
Finally, I don’t own a tree skirt (you’re really starting to be concerned about me aren’t you?), so I just pulled out some black and white ticking stripe fabric from my stash and wrapped it around the base of the tree. It’s actually one of my favorite things about the tree. But then again, I love all things ticking stripe.
The best part about our tree? Turning the lights on every night and chatting with my son about his day, or watching tv together under the glow of the tree lights (was that last part a little over the top?).
My point is – the tree helps remind us of the Christmas season. It’s an extra little thing that makes our house feel like home. And even though my teenager wasn’t remotely interested in helping me decorate the tree, he appreciated my effort and I know that it helps him feel the Christmas spirit. Oh heavens…that sounded sappy.
Have a great Wednesday!
25 Suburbanites Said:
beautiful!
Your tree looks beautiful! I agree the glow from the tree adds something special to the room and adding a loved one beside you is icing on the cake!
wow. my tree sucks. LOL. i really really like your tree!!! i'm so doing that in my office next year!
Your tree is beautiful and I love the glow of a christmas tree too! The ticking skirt...tdf!
love it -- great paper chain!!!
It looks very pretty.
I think when we are almost "done" with the house our attention goes to seasonal decorating. That has been my experience at least.
It looks gorgeous, I love the ticking!
I can be obsessed, too. I'm actually uploading 94 pictures right now of my house and all my decorations.
You know it is so funny...I am feeling the same thing this Christmas...I want something soothing and quiet...No bright colors or flash...which is pretty much opposite of what I have done in the past. Your tree is beautiful. I love your blog and I pray you have the most peaceFUL Christmas filled with love, joy, freedom, which is what our Saviour brought when He came to earth. Merry Christmas!
Your tree is lovely. I bet your son loves it. I love the neutrals. It's very serene. Hope you have a stress free Christmas!
I feel the same way about decorating a tree. We're never home on the "big day" and I don't enjoy all the work involved in unpacking then REpacking all the ornaments. I do like the history and stories behind my ornaments but maybe b/c I've just collected things over the years and there's no rhyme or reason to what I put on it that I've grown bored. This year the kids and I got the tree up, lights strung, and then I stopped. A few days later I asked if it was o.k. if we just didn't do anything else and my 9-yr-old said that was o.k., but could I please get the tree topper out? So I did and here we are. I don't mind the tree just plain like it is. . .although it is SCREAMING for some ribbon. . .with all the handmade/homemade ornaments I'm seeing in blogland I think we'll do some crafting around here this weekend. Like you, we'll decorate with a purpose and it will be beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration!
I love your tree! I absolutely love having a tree up just for the subtle glow it gives off with no other lights on. I think it's so cozy and miss it when Christmas is over.
Your tree is gorgeous...and I like sappy (no pun intended?) when we're talking kids, trees, and the Christmas spirit. Love the paper chain and the ticking stripe tree skirt. I'd say your intentional decorating paid off!
Ohkay....I might steal that chain idea!!! Freaking cute! We have the same color scheme...I need more lights and I'll be posting ours.
I think you did a lovely job.
I'm not much about Christmas decorating - I haven't been for years.
I cannot seem to get into the spirit. But I love love love your tree. That ticking stripe is wonderful.
Your tree is so pretty, I love the paper chain. Great job.
Decorating with intention is a smart way to go! Looks beautiful!
This si the time of year to be sappy! We LOVE the glow of our Christmas tree and spend most nights all together in the living room because of it (not an easy task with a 15 and 12 yo). Your tree looks beautifullll!!!
What a beautiful tree! I love the paper chain you made, and the soothing colors are wonderful!! Even better is the time spent near the tree with your son...priceless! :)
Blessings,
Stacey
It's lovely!! I can see how once the kiddos are teenagers, the "magic" can kind of fizzle. It sounds like your son really appreciated the effort...b/c it IS an effort. :) I also love to sit by the tree after the kids are in bed. :)
How beautiful.
My teen didn't help me this year but that's because I did while he was gone. I forgot my lights and his Christmas hat at storage so I have to make a return trip.
I love how your tree came out! Decorating the tree is not one of favorite things either. I find it to be so tedious. I love when it's finished but I hate the process of doing it even though I have so many ornaments that I love.
It's lovely! I have to admit I was tempted to forget the tree this year myself because we're so busy and traveling so much, but my family wouldn't hear of it.
This makes me want to make an old-fashioned paper chain. I haven't made one of those since I was a kid. How fun! :)
Just gorgeous....love the feeling it has. The paper chain is so pretty and I love the simple elegance of it.
Your paper chain is incredible, especially backlit by the tree.
The best part about our tree? Turning the lights on every night and chatting with my son about his day, or watching tv together under the glow of the tree lights..............simple happiness of life.
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