I haven’t always celebrated Christmas, but I’ve always loved it! The twinkling lights, those annoyingly hard to unwrap, but oh so worth the trouble, miniature candy canes, hot cocoa with marshmallows, Christmas Carols, those stop motion holiday tv specials and the list goes on… But the thing I loved the most was, and still is, the Christmas Tree. We didn’t have a tree in my childhood home, but a highlight every season was visiting my neighbor’s homes and helping to hang their ornaments. I recall there being many homemade items and loved watching them unwrap and remember each one.
Now years later I’ve built quite an ornament collection of my own, each with their own memory attached. Every year I look forward to opening up the boxes and taking out what I’ve come to think of as little treasures. Each one a precious reminder of some beloved character, far away place or special moment in our lives. Not only that, but many happy things have taken place around our Christmas tree, not the least of which was Tim’s proposal of marriage, but wait, before we get to that, there was another tree…
That First Christmas Tree
The first ornaments I purchased were for Tim, who I was dating at the time, he was having a party and mentioned that everyone should bring an ornament. I wasn’t exactly sure what to purchase, so decided on some silver snowflakes and a silver bell. The silver bell representing my favorite Christmas movie, It’s A Wonderful Life! A premonition maybe?
What I didn’t know was that the whole party was planned to impress me! I guess he’d been listening when I mentioned my love of Christmas Trees? When I arrived at the party I saw that he’d decorated the most amazing tree I’d ever seen. It was the perfect shape and covered with lights, bows and sparkling ornaments. In my eyes It couldn’t have been more perfect!
I found out later that he’d gone out and purchased everything on the tree just for the party, and I only found out this year that he’d spent an entire paycheck on that first tree! Of course there was also mistletoe at that party and somehow we managed to find ourselves under it at the very same time… imagine that!
Now 18 or so trees later, we’ve still got those original silver snowflakes and the bell along with many of those first ornaments.
Over the years I’ve continued to collect memories and ornaments in almost every major city we’ve visited: Raggedy Anne and Andy in Portland, Oregon were some of the first along with a Yellow Cab in New York City. I picked up Fleur-de-lis ornaments in Paris, Versailles and New Orleans. In Ireland I found a harp and in Scotland a Scottie, Nessie and a set of pipes! Of course London has its place on the tree along with Victoria, Lisbon, Toledo, Rome, Glasgow, Kyoto, and Hawaii. Also just a few of our favorite characters making appearances are Hello Kitty, Spiderman, Captain America, and Spongebob.
Each year I go to the tree lot in the hopes of finding a replica of that first perfect tree. While I don’t always come home with my ideal tree I know that once I cover it with all of our treasures, old and new and surround it with the people I love, “this year’s” tree will be the most beautiful tree yet.
Here’s to finding your “perfect tree!”
Happy Holidays! xo
Stephen
I can empathise wil those lovely memories Hilary!
Wishing you and yours a memorably happy Christmas time + may all that you wish for in 2017 come true!
Stephen xo
Anonymous
Love this and the photos are fabulous
danniijane
I think your trees beautiful! But what makes it more lovely is all the memories behind the decorations. I have some beautiful ones I get on my travels too😊 x
Hilary
Thank you!! Happy holidays! Xx
Mainy - myrealfairy
Wonderful christmas post and the most fabulous pictures of your decorations. Really lifted me into the christmas spirit even more:)
Mainy
#mainyloveschristmas
Hilary
Thank you!! I’ve just loved being a part of this Christmas link up! Happy holidays!
Jacquie
Beautiful tree Hil….just like you…..Hope you four have a fantastic holiday.
Peace, Blessings and Love, Jacquie
Hilary
Thank you so much! I remember Christmas time at your house it was always decorated so beautifully! Inspirational! Xo ❤️
joylovestravel
Your tree is gorgeous and so special with all those memories. I do exactly the same thing in every new place we visit – I have that very same Titanic bauble and a similar suitcase only instead of London mine says Bruges!! I think it’s a lovely tradition and makes dressing the tree a really special time.
Hilary
Thank you! How funny that we have the same ornament! I love that!
I got that suitcase ornament as a wedding present, and before I’d ever been to London! In hindsight I guess it was a sign of things to come!
baublesandknots
What a gorgeous tree! I can totally pick up on your travels & your (& your family’s) personality. That’s how we decorate ours. My mom has given me an ornament every year since I was born. She started giving my husband (then boyfriend) after we’d been together a year. I’ve kept the tradition going gifting my daughter an ornament every year. Traditions are so meaningful. Happy Holidays!
Hilary
Thank you so much!! One of my favorite parts about starting the blog has been “meeting” so many like minded people and the ability to share my stories with them! Happy New Year!