As a kid I preferred more traditional Christmas tree
From the time I was a kid I’ve always preferred a more “childish” Christmas tree and sparse decorations. My mom was more of a formal tree and lots of decorations type of person. So at our house we had two trees, and my brother and I insisted that we put the presents under the “real” tree, and not the silly-looking pink Victorian thing she came up with!
Now that I have my own place and can do what I like, I opt for a tree with multi-colored lights and nostalgic and homemade ornaments. My husband and I bought a pre-lit artificial tree a few years back, as we often make the six hour drive to visit my parents for the holiday and cannot justify having a real tree.
The pre-lit tree is so much easier and a lot less messy anyway. For the outside of the house we do a three foot diameter wreath with white lights and a red ribbon bow above the garage.
The four large shrubs in front of the house are decorated with blue and pink lights. Three shrubs in blue, one in pink, to represent the Advent Wreath our parish lights during the Advent season.
It took me almost a year to find pink lights, but I did find them eventually and the effect is pretty neat, if lost on many who pass the house.
We also have what’s called the Christmas Nail which goes on our tree. While it is not entirely appropriate for the season, being that it signifies the ultimate death of Christ, it is a small reminder for us as to why He was born and why Christmas is so important.
It’s a Christmas decoration that does not stand out. We put it on an inner branch as a family and have a prayer before we put all of the other decorations on the tree.
