O Christmas Tree

Every Christmas, I set up our fake tree in just about the same way. It is stored in 2 giant plastic bins in the loft. I pull every branch out of the boxes, bend them into shape, and build the tree.

Next comes the lights. I love this new strand of candle lights I wove amongst the white lights this year! They look so Victorian. I used seven strands of lights in all.

Then, I drape strands of wooden "cranberries" in a looping fashion all around the tree.

Then comes the angel topper. I unwrap the tissue from around her and climb the step ladder to place her on the very top. I was so glad when I bought her years ago. I think she's the prettiest angel topper ever.

Finally, I add all the ornaments. I put the biggest ones on first, to fill in any holes left by the branches and lights. Heavy ones need a branch underneath to support them. Unbreakable ones go near the bottom, in case the cats are tempted! Also, anything with ribbons or lace, or any bird ornaments go near the top, also because of the cats.

This year it took me 5 hours to complete. I listened to Christmas music to get me in the spirit.

Christmas time is not our cats' favorite time of year. They are never left alone with the tree! We have to lock them upstairs if we leave the house, or are asleep. So far, they've been very good, so I think Santa will bring them both a little something.

One year, we were both looking at the tree and enjoying its beauty, when we noticed one of our cat's faces peeking out at us from the top branches!

Our Christmas tree ornaments mean a lot to my husband and I. They bring back great memories of Christmases past, and places we've been. Some are mine, some are his, and some we both picked out together.

I wish the pretty Christmas decorations could stay up all year!