Oh Christmas Tree! Oh Christmon Tree! Oh How I Love Thee!

Our Christmon tree will remain up till the end of January. We waited with decorating until the arrival of our son’s family, which was the week of Christmas.

The tree is adorned with crocheted pieces from our wedding 27 years ago. My aunt created patterns to crochet specific Christmon symbols. Every year, my husband reads the meaning of each symbol while a child (young adults now) places the symbol on the tree. It has been a tradition since the children were younger to read aloud the true reason for the Christmas season.

A Christmon tree holds symbols that represent Jesus, our Savior.
Five symbols are mixed among the angels, candy canes, and snowflakes.

The yearly tradition is completed when one child places the angel on top. This year we were graced with our 11th month old grandson-with the help of his dad and uncle- adding the final touch.

There is something special about a tree and its belongings. An ornament or other significant item representing memorable events, whether good or bad: birth, marriage, or a year’s highlights such as toilet paper and facial masks, but our tree gained an ornament announcing our grandson’s “first Christmas.”

I have not transitioned my tree with Valentine’s decorations, nor do I intend to do so at this time. I prefer to leave it as is in order to focus on the peace and calmness the tree brings with reflection and the Christmas story.

One side note- I took a picture of the tree and the outdoor waving flag and posted the scene on Instagram. At the time of the post, I was not aware of what was taking place outside of my home environment. Later, I learned of the events and thought of the irony of the perfect timing of my thoughts and feelings, “One Nation Under God.”

I hope this past Christmas tree brought you much joy and happiness as it did our family even with the multitude of 2020 hardships.

May you be filled with the jovial anticipation of decorating any tree for any occasion.

Winter Decorations

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Using Christmas Decor for the Winter Season

My home is filled with overflowing boxes that contain seasonal items waiting to be displayed, for my collection has steadily grown during my 27 years of marriage. I have been blessed through the years to be gifted seasonal items as well as purchasing at the end of season sales and thrift stores, and of course, DIYs.

Even though I have other areas in my home decorated with the Christmas theme, the focal point centers on this butler’s buffet. The display is simple yet elegant in its own way. I believe several important elements are missing but will be added as they are found.

The butler’s buffet sits behind our sofa.

The Willow Tree figurines were purchased yearly and have slowly created the Nativity scene. However, we did not purchase any additional pieces this year. Our thoughts were trying our hands at building a stable from scrap wood even though Christmas is over.

Changing the seasonal greenery compliments the rustic appeal of our home. A touch of accents such as pinecones, berries and/or ribbon intertwined with the greenery brings out the different wooden tones.

In previous years, my home would be filled with nature’s offerings. But as the years have progressed, so have my allergies and now faux decor is the only option. I have learned to be creative with the purchased faux.

Thrifted finds interject the winter coziness throughout the different rooms. An old drawer sits on the master bed displaying a berry tree and two tea cups and saucers. I love the browns and reds that welcome the winter’s yearning for something warm to drink before settling in for the night. A snowman pail allows easy reach for my husband’s toiletry during his morning routine. Lastly, plates marked with familiar names greet the owners as he or she comes to the table for a home cooked meal.

These small pleasantries bring comfort and peace of a home that continues to be built with one stick at a time. Please join me in loving the home that you and I build.

About Me…

I am a new retiree due to health issues. I am a former educator who in return was a student to the many personalities in my classroom. I am a wife, mother, and grandmother. I am building one stick at a time in my life as I adjust/accept my current season of being a homemaker.

The Pile of Sticks: Our Home’s Name

Our children named our home many years ago. They referred to it as a pile of sticks when asked about where they lived. The name stuck. How can one argue with a child’s perception of his or her home place? The children continue to reference it as a “Pile of Sticks” in their cell phone contacts.

No, we do not live in a pile of sticks; we live in a log home. A pieced together home with multiple remodelings to meet the needs at the time. However, it is home. A home where one will find much laughter, crying and instilled traditions that never grow old. It’s a home where anyone is welcomed to eat and stay the night. It’s a lived-in home where most days you will find the dishes still drying on a towel and “Stitch”, the dog, perched on the back of the couch. Yes, many have learned not to rub against the walls for a three-inch splinter will gladly join in the play. But the walls are filled with character of mementoes, pictures and stories.

Pile of Sticks is our home, and I am delighted to share what the days hold ahead in our family’s journey.