But I have to say I love settling in, looking at the lights, remembering the stories of all the ornaments on the tree, where they came from -- a good friend, a souvenir from a trip, old family ornaments.
This "winter wonderland" ball has been on my tree for as long as I can remember. It's always second to go on, after the oldest ornament, which came from my grandparents' tree.
The angel in that photo with Grandma's ornament was made by Rick's mom.
This sweet egg with a Joan Walsh Anglund scene within came from my friend Lisa back during high school or college. It reminds me of good times together as we grew up.
Of course there are travel memories -- look closely and you will see Eiffel Towers that remind me of France.
And Big Ben!
There are many photos -- memories of the my first cat Stimpy.
This little bear came from flowers my Dad once sent when I was sick.
And these glass ornaments came from the tree we used to have when we spent Christmas at the cottage.
It seems like everything has a story -- but then, I think many people have that experience with their tree. Whether it is the ornament made by a child (or you as a child) or the elegant gift, it's all part of the story.
Those of you who know the Gypsy (or me in "real life") know that I have this tree-thing going on at Christmas. Trees large...
...and small.
The Hall Tree is filled with mostly Christopher Radko miniatures and Shiny Brites.
I had a moment of panic when I lost the Radkos this season. I really need to clean the basement!
There's the corner woodland tree (that was seen earlier HERE) (and at that link, "The White Tree") ...
....and in the cozy family room, the "Mom" tree with cooking-related things, old family ornaments and the Storybook People (right HERE)...
...the Solstice Tree (HERE) where you'll also see the Dad tree in the bedroom and the bathroom tree, too!
...Teeny-tiny trees....
And all the merriment that goes with it!
Whether you have one tree or twenty, I know every one means something. And oh, the joy it brings!
This post will be shared with several link parties this week so check back periodically and I'll post the links as they become available! You'll find tons of fun holiday-related posts at all of them! They include: Sweet and Simple Fridays and Pink Saturday.
31 comments:
Happy Christmas. Great tree.
Jeanie - you win the award for most beautiful trees. Wowza! And Rick has his own tree? I 'd like to see that. :) Your big tree is delightful and certainly fills you with the Christmas spirit. I have one table tree this year and am loving it. I am so enjoying your blog over Christmas. Deb
Oh Jeanie, I used to do that too, trees in every room, but now I just can't do it. It take me so long to get the decorations completed and then I am still fussing over them LOL.
Your trees are stunning and I love them all. Your home is so festive, bright and shinny, love it! I am Christmas gal also.
Have a wonderful Christmas
Hugs,
Mary
What a great forest of Christmas trees!
Your decorations are fabulous, and I love hearing that there are so many stories behind them. You really have created a Christmas wonderland - enjoy!
hugs, Valerie
All your trees are beautiful! Your big tree reminds me of all the memory filled ornaments that go on our own tree. I think you are right, most people probably have a lot of memories tied up in their Christmas ornaments. It's one of the things that makes the season so sweet to us. We are supposed to get our "real" tree this Saturday, we have a big expedition planned and we are hoping we don't have to cancel because of rain and sleet that is forecast. If so, I at lest have trees sprinkled throughout the house.
Each ornament brings back a memory. All of yours are beautiful. I take photos of the kids every year and put each one in an ornament frame to hang on the tree. They will have them for their own memories when they grow up.
Dearest Jeanie, hello! WOW, your tree is so colorful and beautifully photographed! AND, I spy a lion king ornament that I have too!!!!!
So cozy...
Your trees are magical, beautiful, and wonderful. I wish I had your energy!
Beautiful trees! I only have one up right now but usually do 3 total. I love them all! Memories for sure!
I thought I had a lot of trees, but you put mine to shame. SHAME. You and I are the only people I know who put them in our bathrooms, too. I am in awe of all of these, and you have a genuine eye for decorating. These are testament to that.
I love how your tree (the first one you featured) is just "packed" with ornaments! I am amazed at how many trees you have! Where do you stash all of your Christmas stuff during the off season?!?! I think you win for Christmas Spirit! -Jenn
Your big tree is truly amazing! I can't even imagine all the ornaments you have on it. It is so colorful and whimsical, just a delight. I do love all your trees.
Wow- your big tree is just gorgeous. I even saw a few old ornaments we have on our tree too. Like you, I just love the memories each ornament brings and getting to relive each one every year when the tree goes up. I only have 2 trees this year, a big real one and one artificial skinny one in my dining room. My 2 little ones never got out. Too much going on with the hubby's surgery recouping. But next year...I'm glad you shared. I need to go back and look at your big tree again. :) Hugs-Erika
Another story of your dedication to the things that mean the most.
best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Oh Jeanie! Your big tree is beautiful.....Your big tree is a lot lot mine, it holds all the special ornaments from the past, travels and family and friends. I understand your joy for trees, they are a little magical. Christmas trees are joyful, renewing faith and hope and what the trees represent. We have three trees and if I had your energy I'd have more. I have a table top tree and a little silver tinsel tree and the big tree. I love your cozy family room tree. I think your home is magical, I only wish I was nearby and could come enjoy all your decorations over a cup of tea. I know we'd talk all day :) This lovely tour is the next best thing. Getting ready for family coming in soon, I can't wait. Merry Christmas sweet friend...........
I was right! You could bottle your joie de vivre..you ahve enough to spread.The ornaments are priceless..Jeanie..you outdo yourself..a Christmas Cottage.
Love that big tree! It reminds me of trees we had growing up. Merry Christmas, Jeanie!
Jeanie, we're going to have to re-write the song for you. "O Tannenbaums" is much more appropriate! I'm on it....
"O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
I'll opt for two, or maybe three.
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,
A dozen would be better.
Not only in the living room,
But in the kitchen, bath -- and soon
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,
You'll even glow in bedrooms."
Jeanie, love your tribute to Stimpy! That is just adorable! Wishing you a delightful December.
Beautiful! I am hoping to share pictures of my tree next week when I post about my christmas cookie decorating party! Your tree is so beautiful. I love the stories behind the ornaments. Each year I seem to have a few more ornaments with stories behind them. But most are ornaments i bought the day after Christmas my first year out of college when I was oh so poor! But they are beautiful and I still love them, nearly 14 years later! I really love my Paris ornaments (including the ones you sent me!). And I bought an ornament from the Alhambra gift shop in granada that is beautiful. Oscar does bat the ornaments around but hasn't broken any. We put the cheaper ones on the bottom. Most days she ignores the tree except when she occasionally tries to climb it. Ha.
holy moly - I only have a 4' table top tree...yours are beautiful. Must take a lot of time setting up and taking down!
Oh Jeanie, your tree is beautiful, and it is filled with all the ornaments you love and cherish. Yes, there are always stories behind our ornaments. I really like that egg ornament with the Joan Walsh Anglund scene, so pretty. I would have to say that your small tree with the red is about the same size as my tree this year, but loving it just the same. My favorite ornament on here was Mary. It's a special one, indeed. You have many trees to enjoy in every room, and each one has its own special meaning to you. You're in the Christmas spirit, Jeanie, and it's so nice to see. Thank you for being such a grateful soul.
~Sheri
Mercy, you really went all out with your trees. Absolutely gorgeous.
I want to visit your house to see all of these beautiful trees. I loved hearing about the ornaments and the trees are just gorgeous. The big one with all the ornaments and lights is so festive and fun. People must love to visit your house during the holidays! I can imagine how lovely it is to sit by the glow of the trees and reminisce. :) Thanks for sharing!
~Jess
I love that you have so many trees, and that most of them are themed trees.
I also love that your ornaments have so many memories atatched to them.
Such amazing and lovely trees!! They are perfect :)
Have a Merry Christmas :)
Beautiful tree and trees . . .
Oh my, your collections are amazing . . .
It must take you hours . . .
Merry Christmas Jeanie . . .
I am so impressed with all your trees. It took me forever to do one tree. I must learn your secret.
Your home looks lovely all decorated and your excitement is fun to hear about.
Enjoy Christmas with your family.
Happy Pink Saturday, dear Jeanie. Thank you for joining us, and for making Pink Saturday special.
I love all of your trees - and all of your ornaments. Like you, I love unwrapping my decorations each year. So many precious memories.
This post is being featured on my Pink Saturday post this week as "the one that caught my eye". Thank you for sharing.♥
I seem to have missed this post. But my goodness what a magnificent tree in the first photo. I LOVE it. Now if I could decorate a tree like that I wouldn't mind having one up for awhile. I'd need a bigger place too, ha ha. I can't imagine all the work and time (and of course joy) in all that decorating. It would be lovely to be your guest but I think if it were me, one big one would be all I could possibly manage. Thank goodness for people like you who bring such beauty to the season. xx
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