Finally The Tree Is Up

Real trees are the best but this year I'm really thankful that we have a tree-in-a-box.  Put 3 parts together, plug it in and add ornies. You'd think I'd have had it done weeks ago. Nope. Just wasn't feeling it.  Tonight it had to be done.  Here's where I started.

 My favorite vintage ornaments live in the suitcases.

Each year I wrap them carefully and tuck them away.

The first things I spotted were two hanging cards.

They were from my grandparents when I was very young.

They've been on every tree that I can remember.

This little red bell is not valuable, but it is priceless.

It's from our family tree and I

can still hear my Dad's voice saying that he liked this one.

(This will be his 30th Christmas in heaven...)

 Most of the rest of my vintage ornaments are from 

estate sales and auctions.

I love their simple charm.

This dog always brings a smile to my face.

 And the infant is sweet. 

This is one of the earliest.

See the angel? 

She's perched on a blown glass stem

that's about 6" long. 

It's amazing that it survived.

The blown glass icicles are most at

risk when little ones are present.

They're fascinating and irresistible.

By the time I was finished

I wondered why I'd waited so long to get to 

the tree. Seeing the old ornaments 

was like getting together with old friends.

I'm sorry I waited so long to see them!