The Christmas Tree Is Up

 As part of my simplification plan for the holidays, I decided to get a smaller tree. (In the past, we've always gotten one that brushed the ceiling.)

Neither boy would admit to caring what size tree we got, and Older Son complained about the difficulty of getting a large tree to stand up straight in the stand (that's always his job). 

So first I thought I'd buy a three- or four-foot tree and put it on a metal bench in the corner of the dining room. Usually, I use that bench to display my jewelry, but it's the perfect spot for the tree. 

Then I was at the grocery store and saw some beautiful small trees in pots. A live tree seemed like an even better idea, so I bought one of those and yesterday Younger Son helped me put on the lights and ornaments. 

It's a great tree--very bushy and thick, and of course it has that wonderful real-tree smell!

Because it is so small, we could only use two strands of lights and fewer than half of our ornaments, but the extra lights went across the tops of the windows (note to self: buy extension cords), and some of the ornaments will go on the mantel. 

 Today's tasks include buying wax for our candle-making extravaganza tomorrow, and cleaning house. Mostly this is clearing surfaces, because my jewelry-making has taken over the dining room and my blog-writing has taken over the living room. When did that happen? 

Anyway, no clear surfaces anywhere. Gotta fix that. 

A footnote: I am enjoying being frugal. This 2 1/2 foot live tree cost me only $20 at the QFC. Usually I spend $50 to $60 on a cut tree and don't think twice about it.  

@ Jeanne Sather 2009. 

Comments

[Anna]

Jeanne -

Been meaning to say hello and check in for some time. Glad to see you're doing well. Love the small tree idea. This year, I got a potted Rosemary plant shaped like a small Christmas tree at Trader Joe's for about $10. I now have fresh herbs and as an added bonus, have yet to see any pink products at their store so I enjoy shopping there, especially in the fall!

[Sue Jeffers]

That is certainly a minimilist look. But hey, the spirit of the season is still there.