Decorating the Tree

Today I have finally been working on some Christmas decorating.  I started way back before Thanksgiving and got the bare bones of greens and lights up for when the girls came home, then, after they left, I kind of burned out on the whole thing.  Adjusting to not having kids at home hasn't been easy.  So I pulled out the ratty, second hand tree that I have had for years and went to work. This may be the first time that I have not put up a real tree. Ever. The ratty tree was a fall back, an extra tree to tuck in somewhere, but never the main focus.  This is it's last Christmas, (Shall we observe a moment of silence?)  and since it will go to the curb after the holiday is over I decided to spray it with the two cans of spray snow that have been lounging in my basement for years.  I can't even remember when I bought them. I had my doubts that they would work, but they covered the little tree in foamy white in no time.

By the time I put the lights and decorations on, most of it had fallen on the floor.

*sigh*

 The first thing to go on were my mirrored disco ball ornaments and glittered stars.

Disco balls and glitter are my love language.

 And then the red and white ornaments.

You didn't think I could decorate a Christmas tree without red did you? 

I popped the whole thing in a galvanized tub, and filled that with a beautiful tattered crazy quilt that a friend gave me.  It is quite worn, but I hated to cut it up. This is the perfect way to use it:>)

 



 These photos were taken in late morning and the gloom is so thick you can cut it with a knife. I had to seriously pump up the exposure on the camera and in my photo editing program.

But the lights on the tree help chase away the gloom. 

I added crystal chandelier drops and greens to the chandelier, if the sun ever comes out I'll have sparkles everywhere.

 

I will be adding more photos of my Christmas decorating as soon as it's done and there is enough sunshine to actually take a photo.

 

I'll be honest, I'm woefully uninspired this year. I'm keeping it simple and trusting that my creativity just needs a resting period and will come back renewed and refreshed at some point.

But the truth is, that whether I decorate to the nines or just put out a few lights, Christmas isn't about decorating, it's about what is in our hearts and what we do for others. I am enjoying less pressure, less commitment, and less work this year.

How about you? How is your Christmas season going? Overbooked? Overstressed?

Maybe it's time to make some hot chocolate and take a breather.

Sending Love ♥

 

Kathy