Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are my favorite Christmas decoration. No two trees are alike. Looking at friend's trees is always a treat. I've seen some really beautiful theme trees and have thought about doing one, but can't bring myself to leave my old treasured decorations in the boxes. I like to think of my tree not as a hodge podge of decorations and of styles, but as "eclectic." Many of the decorations were given to me by students. I write the name of the student and year it was given if there is a place. Others were given to me by my sister and nieces. (See the Gossamer monster near the top of the tree.) Many I picked just because I liked them. I've been trying over the last few years to find lamb ornaments. I call it my "Lamb of God" collection. My sister is always on the out look for them as well. Hanging inside the tree where it isn't visible is a replica of a nail from the cross. There are candy canes that tell the story of Jesus. Small glass fruit ornaments hang on the tree, each one naming a Fruit of the Spirit. Several cross ornaments are there, also. "Manger" nails hang from many branches, unseen unless you know to look since they are not colorful. Some were my mom's ornaments, familiar and loved since childhood. Won't be going to a theme tree any time soon. They are beautiful, but my "eclectic" tree holds so much meaning for me.