Tuesday, December 15, 2009

A handmade Christmas tree. Yeah, you heard that right.

Last Christmas, long-time readers of this blog will remember that due to circumstances in our lives at the time, my husband and I elected not to have a tree. I went back and forth about it, but in the end decided it would be best to avoid all the extra work.

DSC_0118 copy 2This year I really wanted a tree, but because we’re thinking of taking a short trip somewhere after Christmas, it wouldn’t make sense to get a real tree that would need to be watered.

And we didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a big artificial tree.

So I planned on going out this Saturday, after George’s vet visit, and getting a nice small tree. Imagine my complete surprise upon arriving home that morning.

As I walked from the dining room into the living room, little white lights and boughs of green caught my eye.

And as I entered the room, I realized that this was the most unique ‘tree’ I had ever seen in my life.

I stood there, completely flummoxed, at the effort my husband had gone to just to provide me with a tree for the holidays. The images you see below are probably something you’ve never viewed before, so you saw it here first folks. Although it’s a bit unconventional, and maybe a tad bit tacky, it’s my tree and I love it.

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It’s completely covered with tiny white lights. And he even found a box of the ornaments, the ones that are mostly the light and soft ones, and used them to decorate.

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He has somehow tacked up wire and then stuffed the branches into it, keeping it in the shape of a tree. It even has an angel at the top. The branches should stay fresh for at least a week or more. I know, I know, it’s crazy. But when I sit here at night and gaze at my tree, I see something beautiful. And besides, when it’s night it hides the awful water stains and chipping paint from the mantel front. The fireplace isn’t usable right now, so what’s the harm of a tree on the front of it?

And you know what? It’s true what they say, when they say

all you need is

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Hope your day is a beautiful one. Appreciate the simple things.

Like trees protruding from your mantel. I love it!

Until tomorrow, then . . .

Last photo has one of the free holiday textures found here [link] at Joy St. Claire’s blog. I love the squiggles and stars.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY CO-WORKER, RICH.

66 comments:

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Genius! Loving! Sweet! Yours!

A Scattering said...

Kate, this "tree" rocks! What a creative, thoughtful sweetie you have.

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

I meant to add that the tree is great too!

Hilary said...

I'm here at Frank's and showing him this lovely tree.. explaining the gesture and he said to let your hubby know that he setting the bar pretty damn high! ;)

Hilary said...

Very, very sweet. and I agree, he is setting the bar a tad high.
but it is about love, isn't it?

Alyson | New England Living said...

I think it's beautiful! And what an amazing husband to do this for you.

Mary said...

Awwww, that is so sweet, and quite lovely, too!

mom x 2 said...

Aww, so sweet! And the tree is beautiful! What a creative idea... and I bet it smells great too!

Tug said...

Absolutely beautiful! When it comes from the heart, it's always beautiful, isn't it.

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful! and it's... Love.

S. Etole said...

love always finds a way

Unknown said...

I love it! What a beautiful tree; I think your husband is going to make more people happy with this tree then he realized. : )

Be well ~Andrea~

Mental P Mama said...

This is just awesome. Nothing tacky about it in the least. I love it!

JacksDad said...

What a nice surprise! You are very lucky!

Sugar Creek Beads said...

That is the most loving and romantic surprise and that is what love is all about. Wow Kate it's a beautiful tree. Have a great holiday!! Jeanne

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

I have to say, this husband of yours is really something else.

That may be the best tree I've ever seen simply for its originality.

Anonymous said...

lovely surprise

Michelle said...

If your husband never let you down, he wouldn't be human. If he never made your heart soar, he wouldn't be worth keeping. He's definitely a keeper!

Anonymous said...

Any woman would love the tree. Not only is it beautiful, but the thought and love that went into creating it is soooo sweet.

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Anonymous said...

So romantic! That deserves a foot massage. :) Merry Christmas.

Sweetpea said...

Well CG, this has to be one of THE MOST heartwarming and delightful posts I've read in a long time and that has got to be one of THE GROOVIEST yule trees that I have ever seen...!

(Hi there, snoozey George, I see you napping at the edge of the frames :>]]

Jeanne Walker said...

Genius...pure genius. Creativity seems to be a family trait running in both blood lines! I can only wish and dream that one day my knight in shining armor will surprise me with such a meaningful and precious Christmas memory!!! How truly blessed you both are! Jeanne

Brynwood Needleworks said...

What a sweet gesture by your loving husband. This is the true meaning of Christmas!
Hugs,
Donna

Pony Girl said...

That is so creative! I really like it, actually! Stick greenery and branches from other types of shrubbery and trees into a fir tree is actually a pretty good decorating idea....I like that "look." Good job to your hubs!

Chocolate Cat said...

What a thoughtful gesture and how much it means that he not only thought of it but acted. Think it is the most beautiful Christmas tree for those reasons alone.

Caroline said...

How sweet is that? Not tacky at all!!! What a treasure!

Scriptor Senex said...

What a wonderful gift he has made you! (And I like Santa having a well-deserved rest at the base of it.)

Unknown said...

Awwwww..HOW SWEET is that? - I needed this to make me get into the SPIRIT. Thanks

Anke said...

Amazing!!! It is a beautiful tree, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Just the fact that your hubby did this for you makes it the best tree in the whole world!!

Ellen said...

An A+ for creativity. Buy that man a cigar - chocolate or bubble gum of course!

I think your tree is lovely.

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

Sweet. Just too sweet. It warms my heart.

Mattenylou said...

Oh how sweet he is to make such a special tree! Wonderful!

Jeanne Frances Klaver said...

This is adorable. And so is that sweetie of yours. He gives the best gifts!

Linda said...

Genius! Brilliant! Sweet! Nicely done!

abb said...

That's just all kinds of wonderful!
And beautiful. The hubs did good! Real good.

Kathy's Klothesline said...

It truly is the thought that counts! I love your tree and the story behind it.

Golden West said...

Outstanding! Truly a gift from the heart and a warm Christmas memory you will carry with you into the future when whatever was in a wrapped box is long forgotten.

Russell said...

Wow!! This could be the basis for a book!!!

Talk about a real Christmas story!! I'm impressed!! Good for him!!! And good for you!

Carolynn Anctil said...

Oh my gawd. You have the best husband ever. That is so sweet, it's, like, chick flick material.

(Okay...Santa, if you're reading this...THAT'S the kind of guy I was talking about in my letter to you yesterday).

*sigh*

Merry Christmas you lovebirds.

Unknown said...

Oh I love the tree! It's not tacky at all. It's so creative and sweet of your husband to surprise you.

Swartzmomto3 said...

I think that is one of the best Christmas trees I have ever seen! Very creative and unique! Not the least bit tacky! I love it and may steal your husband's idea next year! Tell your husband that I think he did an excellent job! What a blessed person you are to have a spouse that cares so much!

JC said...

That is just creative ...

** please help me find a home for the boys .. stop by my blog and mention them on yours **

Daryl said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Daryl said...

Ahem. Even more wonderful than the mantle decoration ... and it will last til you are off to MS!

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

love it!
<><

Marilyn said...

I think it is one of the best trees I've ever seen. How inventive of him. And to decorate it as well, instead of leaving it up to you. My favourite thing is the santa passed out underneath. Looks like he might have helped.....best present this year???
Marilyn

Betty said...

I read this last night and I couldn't comment because it was such a beautiful thing I was overwhelmed.It must be wonderful to be so loved. The tree is marvalous. A true tolken of thoughtfulness.You are very lucky.
~~Love Hugs and Good Thoughts~~

Char said...

that is one of the most beautiful and romantic things ever.

The Weaver of Grass said...

As I suspected, that husband of yours is a treasure to be nurtured and cossetted. I love the way George is having a snooze there in the photo.

Pretty Zesty said...

Now that takes talent and patience. You are a star!

Donalyn said...

That is so awesome Kate - he is creative and woman-pleasin! ;)

Jessica Stier said...

That tree is awesome! I absolutely love it.

Jen said...

Best. Tree. EVER! That is so cool and so thoughtful of your husband!!

Sharon said...

Holy smokes! That is the best tree every!

And if Charlie Brown brought me reject, all decorated, I would jump for joy. ;)

CarlaHR said...

Hi Susan, I'll add my admiration for your husband's creativity to all the others who have already posted. He really outdid himself with this effort. George snoozing in the background makes it feel so homey (in the nice sense).

Diane said...

Someone's full of good ideas!

It's really lovely!

Cloudia said...

Wonderful! We are happy for your joys, CG



Aloha, Friend!


Comfort Spiral

Jessica White said...

How awesome is that?!

Merry Christmas!

A New England Life said...

Your husband is good Kate, very good. Enjoy your Christmas tree, one to remember.

Merisi said...

This is just amazing!
I bet it took your husband more time and effort than putting up a real tree. It looks gorgeous, it really does. And the love shines all over it! :-)

The JR said...

It's the surprises I love the most.

Helen Mac said...

It's wonderful! Amazing! And looks truly beautiful. How lucky you are :)

cottage farm villa said...

Oh my gosh Kate, what a beautiful gesture......your hubby "rocks"!

My name is Christine said...

Well that's just lovely:-) Sometimes one heart just knows what the other heart needs, just when it needs to know it.
Merry Christmas

Unknown said...

I simply am in awe!!

Of the tree, your husband, the love you have for each other.

Lisa said...

Kate its so nice to look through some of your blogs that you posted on the Manor house. Thanks for taking me with you here.