This year we found this beautiful and shapely fraser fir – a big improvement over our ugly tree last year. Except, well, I got a little chop happy with the bottom of the tree. Oops.
After all my chopping, my manly man got her in the stand and added the lights. He does the lights in 15 minutes and we are all happy afterwards. I used to take 5 hours with quite the opposite effect. It has been a nice process improvement over the past few years.
Our tree and BBC have a lot in common in the above picture – tall, leggy and missing an article of clothing on the bottom half. {giggle}
After we got the tree inside and all lit up, BBC and DH added most of the ornaments. In the past I allowed my image of a “perfect tree” to rob me of my joy. Now I sit back and let the boys do the heavy lifting.
Isn’t this the cutest picture? I think it would make a lovely Christmas card – that is if I still had the time and energy to send them out. I admire all of you who faithfully send out cards each year. My hat off to you!
Now, where was I? Oh yeah – BBC was decorating the tree. I love giving him the freedom to decorate (almost) like he wants. It’s important for me to let him experience the magic. I don’t want him to be burdened by perfectionism as I am. I say almost because he hasn’t quite mastered the laws of physics, yet.
I also like to go back and tweak to make sure a few of my favorite ornaments are visible. I could not be more proud to display this one front and center after the incredible season our boys have had. Woo Pig Sooie!
DH knows me oh so well. This year he surprised me one morning with a set of Starbucks ornaments (and a real drink, too). Mmm…a mocha sounds good right about now.
I won this cute ornament at the dirty Santa exchange at a friend’s home this past Sunday afternoon. I love it’s touch of whimsy on the tree. It reminds me of Bridget and her cute personality, too. Our tree isn’t a beautiful designer tree like those I admire around town.
Instead, she tells a story of our little family. Each ornament holds a memory. This year the weight of the ornaments and the skirt help camouflage my over snipping. The burlap ribbon weaves the story together. And the crooked star is the most appropriate finishing touch. Once again we have our perfect tree!
Do you obsess over the getting everything just right this time of year? If so I hope this post encourages you to make a few tweaks and enjoy the imperfections of the season!
~Southern Fried Gal
Joining Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick for her Christmas Tree Linky Party.
December 7, 2011
To me the best thing about the tree is the memories associated with each ornament. I think it’s great that you let your son decorate the tree. He’ll always have great memories of that!