Two years ago, we excitidly put up a beautiful family tree. Each ornament hung with love and care, generations worth of treasures displayed on string. My husband and I had both recieved ‘our’ ornaments from our families. It was so lovely. And the first feeling of family Christmas. But we didn’t count on curious toddler hands, and cheap plastic trees to change our reality. It only lasted a few days.
After a bit of crying and hysteria, dad and I came up with something entirely new. Child-proof and child included. A whole night spent together cutting, stringing, pasting and we ended up with this instead:
This year, even with a monkey child 18-month old, we are opting for the regular tree. But we’re saving those old treasures, the ones that survived the crash, for later and opting for all the old-school kid friendly, kid-proof ornamentals instead. Popcorn strings, tin foil stars, pomegranates, and paper garland.
How do you decorate your tree?
as i snipped into each fold of paper
and taped each little circle together,
i was suddenly transported a few years in the future, seeing her there with me, at the table, scattered ’round on the floor.. making christmas makings to dress the house up.
popcorn and cranberry garland, so perfect.. and after the tree comes down- to bring it out and decorate a lone naked tree to feed the robins. now i’ve GOT to get some cranberries and popcorn!
We have all faced the tree survival moments, for me / us it only makes the ones that survive that much more special. We did finally put our christmas tree “IN” a play pin and that really helped. I / we are so very excited to be able to take part in the transformation / growth of all of you. It will help to make me more complete to have you all close so I can experience it first hand.