Those of you who know me (and, I suspect by now those who don't will have realised) also know that I am not a Christmas person and the one and only time I have had a Christmas tree since I have lived alone was when Friend Who Knows Too Much said she would only bring The Girls (her two wonderful daughters) if I put up a tree. So I did. I also put three sets of lights on it (it was a reasonably sized tree) and plenty of decorations. During the morning two sets of lights went out and then as they walked in the third set expired too. None of the spare bulbs I had would fit any of the sets on the tree and they were all different from each other so I couldn't even pinch from one to mend another. So the tree sat there in a shadow of what should have been its glory. The tree went out and the decorations went to a charity shop. That was the last time I had a tree.
Actually no. That's not correct. The first Christmas I spent in New Zealand Catriona was only just 5. She made me a tree. Each year that tree has come out and has been on display as it is this year:
Actually no. That's not correct. The first Christmas I spent in New Zealand Catriona was only just 5. She made me a tree. Each year that tree has come out and has been on display as it is this year:
Together with another one Catriona made for me:
This year I thought I'd make a bit more effort. Not entirely my own effort I have to admit. My little Santa (gift some years ago from FWKTM) is next to the candle and the glass piece centre top is a gift from the USA and the glass tree from a friend in Glasgow who is a very talented glass artist.
The mobile, bottom right, is a reminder of the large one my family acquired when we used to stay in Berlin and Bavaria in the '80s.
In addition I have
I must be getting mellow in my old age.
Aw, that's lovely. I too have been getting smaller with Christmas decorations since the kids left home. I'll send you a pic on fb.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate. I'm working at my son's house by day and trying to live and sleep at night. I'm succeeding at the first and failing at the second. Hopefully I'll have caught up by Christmas.
DeleteIsnt it wonderful to have such "gifts"? I have several on my tree and the 26 yr old recently said "Oh, gosh, I forgot I ever made that" I treasure them as I am sure you do too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue. I certainly do treasure them as you said.
DeleteI think your decorations are just perfect, as they reflect the people and stories behind them.
ReplyDeleteCarol decorations that mean something or remind me of people are, for me, the essence of Christmas. I have suddenly decided that I enjoy some of the illuminated decorations for their own sake but I'm trying not to make a habit of it.
DeleteYou're going all out with the decorations. So you have the decorations, why not use them., Now this comes with a guy who has only 2 strings of light strung up outside.
ReplyDeleteRed that's more than I usually have.
DeleteI've just bought a new set of Tree Lights, and find that they are of the 'flashing' sort. The problem is that the clever Chinese have made them so that they are much more off than on. About 5 seconds off, to one second on. Totally useless, I shall have to buy more.
ReplyDeleteThat's Chinese lights for you Cro. EU made lights at 10 times the price wouldn't do that. Hmmm.
DeleteIt's all so unique! not a cliched bit of tinsel or plastic wreath in sight.
ReplyDeleteJust the way it should be
Thank you Kylie, you've put it into perspective for me.
DeleteWinter Solstice is all about welcoming the depth of darkness for three long nights. Safe in the knowledge that daylight will then start to lengthen. So no I don't believe that you are mellowing or becoming religious. Quite a lot of people actually need to expose themselves to extra light during the dark winter months in order to prevent a depression known as S.A.D. Which is a mood disorder subset in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms at the same time each year, most commonly in the winter.
ReplyDeleteFortunately Heron I've never suffered from S.A.D. For a decade I spent my UK winter in the New Zealand summer but when I'm here I usually hunker down and do 'winter' things to make up for the 24 hours of light in the Hebridean summer.
DeleteI became sidetracked by your obvious love of Grieg! Is he your favourite? For me, it has to be Bach.
ReplyDeleteMy musical tastes Frances are extremely catholic. The Grieg piano works were bought for me by my late son CD by CD. My principal 'classical' listening is generally more romantic than Bach though.
DeleteThat is a very respectable display for someone who doesn't "do" Christmas! :) I would put those beautiful cards by Catriona up every year too.
ReplyDeleteJenny I've no idea why but I'm putting it down to mellowing in my old age.
DeleteI remember Catriona's tree from last year (?) and am glad to see it is up once again, and even has some company this year!
ReplyDeleteThe "candle" lamps look intriguing, and I like the snowglobe lamp, exactly because it is rather... well... kitschy :-)
Meike the candle lamps are of two sorts: one with a light and glitter inside which is pretty kitschy too and the one with a 'flame' which is quite sophisticated. The 'flame' moves like a real one but is plastic. The candle itself is actually wax with an LED lighting the flame.
DeleteAt least you have some! Happy Christmas Sir. Hope to catch up with you soon.
ReplyDeleteYes Andrea it would be good to catch up. I should be around (ie not working out at Grimshader) over the New Year period if you are in town.
DeleteIt is not advisable to purchase one's Christmas lights from "Poundstretcher" or "Poundland" if one desires reliable festive illuminations. How heartbroken "The Girls" must have been to observe your darkened tree... but at least you tried.
ReplyDeleteYP the problem was that the lights had been purchased in the 'good old days' before LEDs or Chinese manufacture and failed because that's what bulbs did in 'those days'. My sin was not having sufficient spares. I think that well over a decade later The Girls have forgiven me.
DeleteChristmas decorations should suit each person's taste and feelings. For myself, I like my cards and homemade ornaments the best. This year, I have dried autumn leaves on my tree. Don't worry, I don't have lights on it with those dried leaves!
ReplyDeleteKay I do enjoy all the cards I receive and they are displayed. Your idea of autumn leaves appeals to me because autumn colours are generally my favourite.
DeleteThat's okay, there's an ornament-and-lights-crammed tree in New York (actually, in my living room) named after you... so you are represented to the Spirit of Christmas Present in fine fashion! Photos on my blog to follow as soon as I get the pine needles shoveled. Thanks for the photos of your decor!
ReplyDeleteYes Mrs S I read your post and was thrilled to find a tree named Graham. It's a pretty rare experience I have to say.
DeleteI put up my little tree today. It's ~55 cm high and 30 years old, and still has it's original chain of lights (some bulbs changed through the years but I still have some spare ones). It has served me well!
ReplyDeleteMonica all I can say to your tree is "Happy Birthday to you..."
DeleteIt's a few years since I've put up decorations and/or a Christmas tree. It seems pretty pointless just for me...and the having to dismantle everything is a pain in the proverbial! :)
ReplyDeleteI wish you a very Merry Christmas, Graham. :)
Thank you Lee. As I write this on Christmas Eve you will be waking up on Christmas Day. Happy Christmas.
Delete