Tuesday, December 13, 2011

How Lovely Are Your Branches

Our living room Christmas tree is in the stand and ready to be decorated. The boxes of ornaments are stacked up and the music is on. Tradition number two is what we have for refreshments while we decorate. Every year I have to go out and buy Fruit Juicy Red Hawaiian Punch and Sprite and those round containers of Christmas cookies they sell at Walmart for around $4.00. It's high class all the way at our house! We mix the Hawaiian Punch and Sprite together, and serve it in the Christmas glasses my brother bought for us over 25 years ago. If you've never tried the cookies, you should. They are delicious little tea cookies and to us they taste like Christmas. Of course we make all kinds of cookies and candies of our own, but we keep buying these for tree-decorating. There were years where I had to run all over town to try to find them, but Walmart has carried them regularly for quite awhile now, thank goodness!



Our tree never looks like the trees you see in magazines, but we're okay with that. The ornaments that hang on our tree have meaning to us. Each of my three has a small pair of mittens we bought the year they were born. Those are what they look for first.


My favorites are two worn and dirty white bears. One is missing its eyes, and I have no idea what happened to the third one. One year when I was a child, my mom let us choose an ornament at the Woolworth's store downtown. I chose the three bears that came all together in one package (I'm always looking for the best deal!). Now it's just the two, but they will always be my favorites. I've looked all over to try to find a complete set, but no luck. I guess they wouldn't be the same anyway. 


Aren't they a sad-looking pair?  But I love them anyway. They represent childhood Christmases to me.

So this is where you're supposed to see the big reveal, right? The beautifully decorated Christmas tree in all its glory. The results of our hours of work, every ornament in just the right place. The colorful lights glowing and the red beads shimmering. 

Oh, but did I mention that we have two kittens in our home this Christmas season? Here's what our tree looks like most of the time:




And here's why...


So here's the reveal. It's the best I can do.


We think it's pretty, even if it's a little light on ornaments at the bottom. And in the end, it's the time we spend together, and the memories that we share, that make our tree more special to us than any perfectly decorated magazine tree could ever be. 

16 comments:

Shirley Hatfield said...

When I lived in Germany I found a set of brass bells at a fleamarket. They came in handy years later as Kitty alarms for our tree. I wish I knew where they went. I loved the picture of the naughty kitty. We have three extra naughty ones here who play kitty cat soccer with my ornaments at night while we sleep. Thanks for the good laugh, Betsy. =D

Unknown said...

LOL....so cute! I think I would be so nervous with them in the tree! That is why I have a dog! LOL Sandy

Mecky said...

Your tree is nice. It looks like your kitty is having a blast!

Sunny Simple Life said...

Oh our tree is the same. The kids ornaments and paper glittered things they made and this year whatever the three year old is sticking on there. We don't care. That is what makes it the most special. Mmmm I would love those cookies. Haven't met one I didn't like yet.

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

It's very pretty! Especially with that little face peeping out between the branches. Truly a "living" Christmas tree.

My Vintage Mending said...

I love each and every piece of it especially the furry part. They are too cute aren't they...smiles...Renee

Musings from Kim K. said...

We have a kitten that has learned how much fun Christmas trees can be at our house too. Your Hawaiian Punch and Sprite sounds like a yummy tradition my girls would enjoy. Such sweet ornaments.

Kris said...

I love your traditions! And I loved this post!!!!!

magie said...

It looks like the kitty thinks the Christmas tree is just one huge cat toy :P).
I think your tree looks lovely! It is nice to have decorations that have meaning or memories to them. I think your teddy bears are cute (even the little eyeless one..it just shows it has been well loved).
Hawaiian Punch and Sprite sounds interesting..I will have to give that a try next time I am out in Canada..
Have a lovely week :)

Unknown said...

Hello, nice to meet you and have you tag along on my blog! Your tree looks just fine and happy to me! :) Stay tuned for my next apron swap, for Valentines Day! Would love to have you join us! Merry Christmas new friend!

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

I think your tree is just perfect! It's decorated with love and memories and that's what's important. Even the kitties enjoy it! I hope one day you'll find an old replacement for your missing teddy..it's ornaments like those that make the tree...at least that's what I think anyway. GREAT JOB!! Have a wonderful day..
Maura :)

Little Susie Home Maker said...

Your tree is lovely! I understand the meaningful ornaments. They are so precious, we do the same. My kids have a story with almost each ornament. They are memories. And the punch sounds great. I gotta try this one. Yummy and simple. The bottom of my tree is where I hang all plastic ornaments, because my cats think they are there toys for the season. Somewhere I have a picture of my cat hiding in the branches, too! Haha!
I really love the whole thing!
What a blessing.
Susie

Debi said...

Looks like EVERYONE is enjoying the Christmas tree and looks like family memories have been made for this tree trimming year. Wonderful time together and you are lucky to have your kids helping you with your memories. Have a wonderful Christmas time.

donna said...

Betsy your tree is perfect. What great family time. The picture of your kitten in the tree is just adorable.
Hugs
donna

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Ha, ha, had to laugh at those naughty kitty's. Hey, if it isn't the kitty's, it's the kiddies. No, don't you worry about everything being perfect. That's what Christmas memories are made of. Our tree was often bare at the bottom when we had little ones at home. Love your time worn and loved little bear ornaments. I give my children and grandchildren an ornament each year. Hope they feel the same way. We have one that my MIL gave us our first christmas and I love it. It is a little mushroom house with two mice inside. Happy Holidays to you!

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

I love reading all your Christmas Traditions . Thanks for sharing your heart. My tree in my family room has similar types of ornaments. It's not a designer perfect tree ;But every time we put on the ornaments , we have memories of Christmases past to cherish .

ps I love that pic of your kitty in the tree!