O Tannenbaum!

Well, finally -- the big tree got up. I wanted to wait till Rick got home from his work trip to decorate. Of course, we'll still be doing his tree this week -- going to the tree lot today in the sub-zero wind chill to pick it out.  That, early Christmas with the kids, all good but all coming at us like a whirling dervish!

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.