Christmas Trees

In the 7 years I've been in Charlotte, I've had some interesting Christmas Tree creations. The first two years, I was tree-less, no ornaments, just a Nativity. Even the year I lived at Hope House as a resident adviser I had a nativity in my room, just for me! But alas, no pictures of those ... so you just have the opportunity to re-live the last 3 years before bearing witness to this year's spectacular demonstration in the new house!

2011

Sister Gloria helped me cut down this beauty from the back path on the Church property.

It became this, just in time for our Ugly Sweater Party that year.

That is one of my favorite Christmas trees, and I have wanted a real tree again ever since. But since I'm usually gone for two solid weeks at Christmas and New Year's, having a real tree doesn't make sense - it'd die while I'm away and the weeks after Christmas are the best part! Last Year (2013), we had the 'tree' up until the beginning of February!

2012

My roommate this year wasn't that adventurous in the decorating area, so I tape lights up and hung ornaments off them to keep the spirit alive!

And the nativity was on top of the mantle like always!

2013

Last year, Lisa and I took some inspiration from Pinterest and found this idea!

It took a little bit of time and a LOT of nails - think one on each end of the tree branches and also one for every ornament! I loved it - as evidenced by the fact that it was up for about two months - until after the Feast of the Presentation! This was a great tree - and if I could do it without destroying my walls, I would have done it again this year.

2014

So this year I've been going back and forth, scouring the internet for 'creative Christmas ideas' but couldn't find anything worthwhile. So I was talking with some friends and this is what came out. The alcove above my fireplace is the perfect spot for celebrating Christmas, displaying ornaments, and lighting up lights!

This picture does not do it justice, it's quite beautiful and an amazing consolation for not being able to have a real tree!

The Ornaments Up Close

Happy Advent! Check out my nativity post from Monday for a look at the rest of the decorations and why now.

Comments

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