Friday, December 03, 2010
Flashback Friday # 21 ~ Jim's early Christmas tree
Linda asked several questions about our early Christmas trees and family traditions. Click her icon, right, if you want to read others or participate in this with a blog post of your own.Linda's questions and then my answers: (you will note that some of these I did not answer as they did not apply to my family situation--they may apply to you)
When you were growing up, when did your family put up and decorate the Christmas tree? Was it real or artificial? Who usually decorated it? Were there special decorations? What was on the top? White lights or colored, blinking or steady? How much did your family decorate for the holiday other than the tree (wreaths, dishes, snowglobes, miniature villages, etc.)? Did y'all do outdoor lights? White or colored, blinking or not? Are there special memories associated with decorating for Christmas?This tree on the right is our 2010 church Christmas tree. Our tree isn't up yet. I am sure it will show up on the blog when we do get it up; Mrs. Jim is thinking this weekend.
Our tree at home when my sister and I were growing up was a small 'wrapped paper' tree. It sat either on the floor or on a black tramp art end table which I now have. I do remember a white tree skirt on the bottom.
Mom would put tinsel and bright ornaments then string it with paper chains we would make for it. It had one, maybe two strings of lights. That was the only tree she ever had. Lois (my sister) did give her a small tree to display on the front porch when they retired to town from the farm.
Mom also had a pretty Nativity scene. It was about eight inches across as I remember it. It might have been a pretty colored rectangular glass plate, I am not sure. Mom was very happy when she got the olive wood set we brought back for her from Bethlehem on our tour of the Holy Land.
At school we would decorate a nice cut tree with a lot of ornaments, lights, and things we would make for it. We ran green and red colored paper streamers all over room below the ceiling. I think there were bells and wreaths too.
We had to make the school look nice for our annual Christmas play. Santa would come after the play and pass out gifts and candy. It was custom also for everyone to bring the teacher a present. I don't remember what we got. Mom took care of all that I am sure.
Oh yes, Mom's little green wrapped paper tree sold for $100 at the auction Dad had when he moved to assisted living. That was a surprise as we almost didn't even put it up for auction.
Labels: Christmas, Flashback Friday, Holiday Posts, Jim in his Younger Days
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What a great question. I love your answer so I'll throw mine in too. I've not thought about this is years.
We lived on a farm in Oregon when I was growing up. There were lots of trees and there were lots of beautiful Christmas trees to chose from. We would trek out into the forest and us kids would chose our tree and dad would cut it down. That is the way we did it every single year. I can still remember how good those trees smelled.
Have a terrific day and weekend. Big hug. :)
We lived on a farm in Oregon when I was growing up. There were lots of trees and there were lots of beautiful Christmas trees to chose from. We would trek out into the forest and us kids would chose our tree and dad would cut it down. That is the way we did it every single year. I can still remember how good those trees smelled.
Have a terrific day and weekend. Big hug. :)
Enjoyed your memories. Isn't it amazing what people will pay for something that we think has little value? Your Christmas tree at church is beautiful!
until next time... nel
until next time... nel
I remember one year as a kid I made paper chain streamers and we decorated the living and kitchen ceilings with them. It was fun. I am not certain, but I believe I made them when I had the measles, and Gram gave me the job to distract me from scratching.
Your church narthex looks more than plenty big enough! When I first saw the picture I thought for sure that was a mall.
Your church narthex looks more than plenty big enough! When I first saw the picture I thought for sure that was a mall.
Grand memories of the days of old. We've had every kind of tree over the years. I'm kinda like Dad, If it weren't for someone else I wouldn't put something up that needed to be put away later.
I've never heard of a wrapped paper tree but someone must have to buy it at auction! I love the tree at your church, so beautiful. Thanks for sharing your memories.
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