Thursday, December 15, 2011

Bringing Home the Tree

After being Ms. Scroogette for the past couple of years, I decided early on, even before Thanksgiving, that I was getting a real Christmas tree this year. This was my year and gosh darnit, I'm having a tree! No little 5 foot fiber optic this year either. So I planned ahead and tried to pair my schedule with a friend of mine who I knew wouldn't balk at the request of carrying a 6'+ tree up 50 stairs and decorating it with me. You know...those types of friends are rare! Since our schedules are opposite, I took the day off during the week and we made a big day of it.

So, on a Thursday, after a yummy breakfast at an old-style pancake house, we headed to Home Depot. It's the most cost-efficient place to get a tree around here and I'm trying to do holidays on a budget. The bad thing about this plan is that Home Depot kind of piles up the trees and it's hard to take a gander without pulling trees out of the pile. Lacking upper body strength, especially after not being diligent about the gym, I about toppled over a few times. Wow, some of those trees were really heavy! I found a tree that we both approved of, as did some shoppers near us. After that, I was kind of scared to let go of the tree! No lady, you can't have this tree...it's mine! They did their fresh cut and wrap it in plastic bit and we somehow managed to get it to fit inside the CR-V and away we went.

My friend managed to get the tree up the stairs, without my help or being out of breath! I have no idea how he does it! In my excitement to have a real tree...I forgot what a biyatch it can be to get the tree to stay up straight in the tree stand! It took about three tries and a lot of cursing. Thank goodness for the Christmas carols on the radio because it's hard to stay mad when you're also trying to sing along to carols! The problem was that the trunk was cut too short so it wouldn't hit the sharp edge on the bottom to help hold the tree steady and the trunk was so soft because the tree was definitely fresh...and sappy. And I didn't want to cut the branches on the bottom since they created a lot of the fullness to the tree. It took some doing and we made it work. I thought it was a success when it stayed up the first night since it almost toppled over while we were decorating it. Ack!

Lights, ornies and star! Ta-da!
I am in love with my tree. I am oftentimes tempted to leave it on overnight but then I remember I live in an old building with old wiring and don't want to tempt the fates. So I enjoy it as much as possible when I'm home. I also uncovered some treasures when going through my Christmas boxes. Here are a few things I hold dear.

Fat Santa. Dear Fat Santa, I've been a very good girl. Can you please send me the winning lottery numbers? NO!? Well, it's a good thing you're cute.
Some ornies that have been gifted to me...

Mirabilia's Christmas Elf Fairy
Some knick knacks
Santa Snoopy and Reindeer!
The stocking my first boyfriend made me by slipping away from me at Albertson's to buy it and glitter gel to add my name many, many moons ago and a little reminder that this is my christmas and I'll make it merry in my own little ways.
And a splotchy pointsetta to adorn my very cluttered kitchen table. Don't look too closely!
There you have it. My pretty tree and modest decor. All these little things make me happy and smile. I'm very happy I decorated...even if the tree almost killed me! But I think we have a truce and she is certainly adorned and loved.

Until next time...be merry and bright.

35 comments:

Cleejoow said...

your Santa pillow looks very cute! you decorated your house nicely :)

Veronica said...

Your tree looks fabulous as does all your Christmas decorations.

Hugs,
Veronica.

gracie said...

It all looks wonderful! Job well done....nice to have a friend who cares enough to help too.

kate n said...

Your tree is humongous! and absolutely gorgeous :)

Chris said...

Yea Valerie! Your tree is fantastic. I am so glad that you are enjoying it. The ornaments are all lovely and the rest of the decorations are too.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I'm happy you decorated too! You have some lovely holiday decorations. A lit tree just brightens everything up!

LoriU said...

Your tree is beautiful! and what a perfect spot for it too!!

Carol said...

Your tree looks fabulous in front of those wonderful arched windows, Valerie!! There is nothing like a fresh green tree--sure wish we could get a live tree (middle son is allergic to them!).

Your "tour of ornaments" was fun, too--why your whole place looks like it definitely has the spirit of Christmas. Throw in some eggnog and cookies and you'll be all set :)

Giovanna said...

Great decorations, and what a gorgeous tree!

natalysneedle said...

Beautiful tree and it looks like you are ready for the festivities.

Margaret said...

Sounds like quite the experience to get your tree! lol! We have the tree standing crooked problem every single year. We usually resolve it by facing the crookedness into the corner so you can't tell. lolol! Love all your decorating! Very Christmassy indeed! Yay!

dixiesamplar said...

Everything turned out so lovely Valerie...especially your tree! Loving all the little ornies you have been gifted...they are adorable.

Barbi said...

Your tree is spectacular! And fat santa! I LOVE HIM!!

MoonBeam said...

I, too, opted for a real tree this year, and am glad I made that decision. Enjoy!

Michelle said...

Yay for your very own real tree!!! Your decorating is fabulous, and I do think it's a great thing that looking around your home makes you happy happy with Christmas cheer! Yay!! Fat Santa is awesome, by the way!

CalamityJr said...

The hassle was definitely worth it - I'd want to see that gorgeous tree all the time, too! What fun you must have had going through your decorations with their memories, too. Enjoy!

Michele said...

sounds like lots of fun! Your tree looks lovely :)

Theresa said...

I LOVE your tree!!!! While fake trees can look quite real these days, there's just something about a real tree that is magical, isn't it? I think you are ready for Christmas now~

Myra said...

Your tree is so pretty! There is just something about seeing those twinkling lights that can really instill the Christmas spirit.

Natalia said...

I like your tree, Valerie !! Glad you went out, bit the bullet and bought the tree. Cute ornaments too. Merry Christmas to you !!!

Dani - tkdchick said...

I do hope you have a fantastic Christmas you've got a tree to be proud of there!

Catherine said...

What a fabulous tree Valerie!! How nice of your friend to help out - hopefully he'll be back when it's time to remove the tree too!!
Have a Merry Christmas!!

barbara said...

What a lovely Christmas atmosphere you've created!

Sally said...

Your tree looks wonderful Valerie!

Mindi said...

Sometimes the best things are those you have to work a bit for, and the tree sure looks like it was worth the effort! I love the decorations you put up.

Daffycat said...

*squee* You tree is truly gorgeous, Valerie! I can almost smell it! We haven't had a real tree in YEARS so no pretty scents for me.

Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Seriously impressed with your tree. Haven't had a real tree for a quarter of a century, and our fake one is much smaller than yours.
Hope nothing comes in the way of a great Christmas !
Best wishes, Valérie

Chelle said...

Love your tree and the stitched goodies are awesome! No tree at my house this year, BUT all Christmas gifts have been wrapped and were delivered last week. That is unheard of at my house! At this point I'm usually still figuring out what to buy!

Meari said...

Your tree is beautiful!! Nice to see you in the Christmas spirit ☺

Anne said...

Ooooh your tree is gorgeous!! You are so lucky to have a real tree and good strong friend to carry it for you!! I should persuade my manboy to do the same! Lol!! Love your ornies! Fat Santa is awesome and I hope he grants your wish :D

That Mira Fairy is darling too carrying her wee lil' Christmas tree! Your house is all ready for Christmas!!

Hugs!

Melanie said...

Great post!!!!
I love the tree. I'm sure it smells fab in there too. That's what I miss most about having a fake tree. *sniff* (I learned long long ago that cats and real trees don't mix. *sad*)

Love love love Fat Santa. What a cutie! (The Fairy too!)

Joysze said...

Love your tree, Valerie!! All those ornies are gorgeous and I love your Snoopy!

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Your tree looks beautiful, I love the fairy elf stitch, it has such an elegant look.

Raven/Missy said...

Your tree and decorations look wonderful! Congrats on getting a real tree! I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Siobhán said...

Love the Christmas decorations, Valerie! Very nice--sweet tree, too!