For the last twelve years we have had the same artificial Christmas tree. Last year we found it needed replacing and ended up not actually getting around to putting a tree up at all (shocking, I know!). Don’t worry, the kids made up for this by putting extra decorations up everywhere, but the run up to Christmas wasn’t the same without the decorating and rocking around the Christmas tree that is compulsory at this time of year.
I’ve always wanted a real tree. To be honest, I’d love to place myself in one of those Christmas Movies where the family go out and choose a tree and bring it home in the snow. In reality, we rarely get that sort of snow here at this time of year and I bet it’s far harder work than it looks in the oh so magical movies. Luckily, Pines and Needles saved the day by sending us one of their superb Nordmann Fir‘s.
The Christmas Tree
I couldn’t have picked a better tree myself. I love the shape and quality of our Christmas Tree. I’ve been checking the water every day and have been surprised that it’s not as thirsty as I expected it to be- maybe it will drink more as time goes on? Being a real tree, of course it does drop needles (mainly when the kids brush past it or sit next to it absent mindedly playing with the decorations) but only enough to warrant the usual daily vacuum I do anyway. We’re very pleased with it and finding it very easy to care for.
Decorations
Dave and Danny went up the attic to get down our decorations. I love to see them come back each year (the decorations not Dave and Danny!). We first put white lights on the tree. It looked so classically beautiful like this and didn’t really need more, but we had boxes of baubles we needed to use, so on went more (well it is Christmas)…
We first took out every single decoration. Then we sorted them into sets (great for the younger kids to practise sorting colours etc).
When we bought the bulk of our decorations twelve years ago, our tree theme was silver and purple, so we ignore all current trends and the base theme continues to this day.
We start off adding all of our silver, then purple and pink ornaments. It looks so pretty and coordinated, but still needs something more (oh , yes!), so…
…next each of the kids adds their own personalised ornaments that they have collected over the years. This year I had to throw away some of their handmade salt dough and paper decorations, but I have photos and memories of them and of course, they’re making lots more this year anyway.
I get emotional looking at all of the “My First Christmas” and photo ornaments of the kids. Christmas is such a special time.
When I put the tree away this year, I’m going to keep each of their collections in their own box to make it a bit more special next year.
We then add tinsel, beads, crackers and anything else that the kids have to hang on the tree this year. I did consider not adding tinsel, but I love the way it reflects the light.
That moment when you accidentally take a selfie of yourself in a bauble- we’ve all been there!
Lastly, the fairy. We always used to have a purple wire fairy, intended for hanging on the tree rather than placing on top of our old tree. I thought a new tree warranted a new tree topper 9you all agree, don’t you?). Izzy likes stars, as she put the star on top of Aunty Ceri’s tree, but I really wanted a fairy. We compromised with a fairy covered in stars and holding a snowflake. Izzy was going to put her up, but got a bit scared.
Instead Caitlyn did the important job for us. We had to trim the top of the tree a little so the fairy didn’t look too out of place high up on the tree on her own.
Then we added a Hornby Hobbies Santa Express Train Set
I know a fair few people who put up their tree in November. I love to put mine up in the first week of December. I realise some people are putting theirs up this weekend when they break up from work (hurrah!). If you would love a no hassle gorgeous real tree then their is still time to order from Pines and Needles. You can get £10 off with our code EVAN. We were also sent a Christmas Tree Mat, a Decorated Garland, Water-Holding Stand and a Mini Christmas Tree.
Have you got a real or artificial Christmas Tree? Which do you prefer?
