Oh Christmas Tree!

This has been a crazy year in real life and blog life - I have been uplifted, amazed, disappointed, and frustrated...but in the end during these festive times, I like to sit in my living room turn the light offs and gaze at my Christmas tree and forget about it all. There is something very peaceful and heartwarming about a lit up tree in a dark room, twinkling and sparkling with hope and love. 

Last night we sat my the tree, sipping cider while the kids discussed their Christmas list. They were sweet and loving and I was at peace (and still which is rare)
...it was calm and lovely.

I have always looked forward to the tree and the lights that accompany Christmas. Each ornament has a story or a memory attached to it. Our tree this year was different, not as big, not as full and we used less ornaments...there are at least two ginormous tubs full of ornaments still! Next year...2 trees may be in order. 

I am joining up with Flamingo Toes and the ladies over
there to show off the tree and my favorite ornaments.

LOVE..my baby boy's hand print turned reindeer!

 My glittering flowers made from biscuits!

{you can go check out my guest post at Rook No. 17! about them}

 I have a small collection of angels. Only a few are on the tree this year.

 This heart was one of the first ornament I ever bought
for my very first tree in my own apartment.

 I like quirky...Santa Hula-ing in Maui and
Santa climbing Notre Dame are souvenirs from trips.

 Hubby's Mom gave us beautiful Santa ornaments every year.

 I love peacocks (well, their feathers and colors) and butterflies.

 I painted the little lady when I was 3-4 and my Mom made these stockings one year...1977!

 One of my Mother in Laws sent this when Joe was 3. He insisted on hanging it on the tree...I (had a lapse in judgment and) let him and he promptly dropped it...so it is broken, but I always hang it and can usually hide that there is no bottom.

 My advent calendar ornaments...the kids love them.
They look super-cute on the tree too!

 

Jules and I made these this year.

 A beautiful cake to commemorate our wedding.

 Everyone needs  Jack in the Box on their tree, right? Thanks MOM!

Or perhaps a Jabba the Hutt Princess Leia slave girl {I have 2 of these babies!} Thanks MOM...again!

Bells of all shapes and sizes. Legend has it my Dad was naughty and my Granny hung bells all along the bottom of the tree so she would know when he was messing with the presents. We carry on this tradition (although my kiddos are pretty good about leaving that stuff alone...the like the ornaments better!). My son explained the bell tradition to my daughter this year...so sweet listening to him...and it proves he does listen to me!
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To add to the tree, I add gems and glittering bows and chandelier crystals. It sparkles...it is magical..and we all enjoy being a part of decorating ti!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

BIG NEWS for TICKLED PINK
{or at least I think so}
Highlights will go up on Monday this week...I am outta here for Christmas (not really, but I shall spend time with family rather than the computer!)

Starting on 12/30/10 I will have a linky up for
THE BEST of 2010 and Tickled Pink.
(I need to make a button now!)

There will be three categories:
*Crafts/DIY/Decor*
*Recipes/Food/Drink*
*Writing/Stories/Fiction*

I am going to go through old tickled pinks (in all of my spare time) and look for the ones that really stood out. Feel free to drop me a line if you have some really spectacular to share. I'll post all week with yearly highlights!