A Back-to-Basics Tree

Traditionally, Christmas trees were decorated with organic items such as fruit, nuts, pine cones and candles. Like everything else in our modern world, tree decorating today has become a lot more elaborate and complicated. I've gone back-to-basics this year. I strung the tree with plain, non-blinking white lights reminiscent of candles (without the fire hazard) and strands of red, wooden bead garland that remind me of hand-strung cranberries. "Snow" dusted pine cones complete a nature-inspired, traditional backdrop for my ornament collection, which includes some new, adorable woodland creatures. I hope to make some sweet-scented Cinnamon Bird Ornaments to nestle into the branches as well. Nostalgic ornaments give the tree a story. I have an ornament I made in kindergarten that has hung on every tree I've had for the past 30 years! I actually remember making it... we dipped unsharpened pencils into pots of melted crayons to "stamp" ornaments onto a wooden tree form. I can remember the smell of the melted crayons to this day. Heirloom ornaments also grace our tree, including hand-crafted wooden figurines, engraved sterling silver pieces and beaded stars, angels and bells. With non-kid-friendly glass and crystal ornaments awaiting another year's tree, I filled in the gaps with various wooden, plush and knitted decorations.

Nestled into a corner near the fireplace, our kid-friendly, nature-inspired Christmas tree shines bright and silently tells a story about our family. What comfort & Joy!