Sunday, December 5, 2010

What have I been doing since my last post?

Many of you know that I have spent the past week putting up the Christmas decorations, known in our house as "The Transformation!" I started a week ago, on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  The main tree is a 10 foot tree that comes in four sections and that is the first thing that I do every year.  I also spent part of last Sunday at the local garden center with the third section getting the fuses replaced as none of the lights came on--thank goodness they were able to fix it that day and within an hour.   It has hundreds of ornaments on it--handmade ones, those we have gotten on trips, family pictures in ornaments, many I received as gifts from students while I was a teacher, and some that are more than a hundred years old from Germany.  I also put up an additional 20 more trees--all except three have lights and/or ornaments.  Most are themed and there is one in every room in the house, including all three bathrooms and one on the front porch.

Here is the main tree in the living room:


These are some of the themed smaller trees on the main floor of our house--a Wisconsin Badger one--complete with roses this year, a Green Bay Packer one and a silver tree filled with sports ornaments
 (I am a retired coach and high school Athletic Director)




Next, is a vintage tree with antique ornaments and bubble lights, the purple/silver one in the bedroom and a metal tree with Boyd's Bear ornaments.


Here is a picture of the garland with lights, Santas and our stockings on the mantle


Here are two of the very old ornaments on the main tree that were my mom and dad's and came from Germany


Onto the family room in the basement.  Here is the red/white/blue tree, the farm tree and the Germany tree:

So, as you can see, Christmas has arrived.  It takes about 3-4 days to complete the decorating and always happens the week after Thanksgiving, as we have a holiday party the first Saturday in December.  So, last night we had 15 people enjoy some good food, good beverages and good times.  Tomorrow, I get back to crafting and will have some cards to post this week.  I hope you have enjoyed looking at these photos and a stroll through the house............................................

15 comments:

Laurie R said...

Lovely Barb! Merry Christmas!

Laura Jean (LJ) said...

Absolutely beautiful trees Barb! :)

meredithagelmom said...

Barb, your trees and decorations are beautiful. I love to decorate, too and my children always say that Christmas threw up all over our house!!! I collect snowmen and they are everywhere!!

Have a Merry Christmas!!
Debbie

dweatter said...

Barb the trees and decorations are fantastic. Your main tree is absolutely gorgeous.

Vikki Jo said...

I love the Foot balls on the tree! Beautiful house!!!

~Paola~ said...

All I can say it's "GORGEOUSLY AWESOME" all the way..but that main huge tree takes the cherry on top! WOWZER!! thanks for your 'open house' treat Barb!!:o)
(I'd love to see your stamping area too,next time...*wink*)

:: BlueInks :: said...

Barb, your main tree is amazing! All of the trees are very special and look great. Thanks, for sharing. Merry Christmas!

Darlene said...

Oh, Barb!! How stunning! Thanks for the "tour", very beautiful, warm & inviting.

Michelle said...

Love your Christmas transformation...absolutely beautiful!

Jeanette (Forest Ranger) said...

Oh my goodness! Barb, I love Love LOVE your decorations! An absolutely gorgeous display of delight!!! Thank you for sharing your pictures with us... and some of your stories, too. Stunning!

Judy McMullen said...

Wow! Barb, your Christmas trees are amazing! I can't believe you get all those decorations up in 3 to 4 days. It takes me at least a week and I only have 3 trees plus all the other decorations. I am impressed!!!

April said...

Love the pictures - thanks for sharing your amazing trees! I have yet to get a single holiday item out....lol

Ms. Earlgrey said...

Barb,

TFS, your trees are just gorgeous, I love it and I see all the love that was put into decorating the tree.

Joan

Carol W said...

Your trees are absolutely beautiful....I would love to see them in person...they pics turned out wonderfully....What a beautiful way to start the season with all the decorations and a wonderful party...thanks for sharing....

*Susan* said...

WOW BARB! These are amazing! I love all the different themes, but my favorites are your main tree with the mix of special ornaments you've collected through the years (just like mine, only yours is a lot taller), and the smaller tree with the antique ornaments & bubble lights. It is exactly how I remember my grandparents' trees, only minus the large C4 bulbs with reflectors. LOL! Barb, thanks for letting us stroll through your Christmas wonderland! I hope your Christmas and New Year are filled with many special blessings! {hug} :-)