Here it is, our sweet little Christmas tree covered with handmade love. The only decorations on it that we didn't make are the straw and red thread ornaments that my mom brought us from Sweden. I love smelling that spicy, fresh pine scent first thing when I walk in the door and enjoying the warm, romantic glow of the lights in the evening.
Sam was completely enamored with the glowing ball of lights. I store them all rolled up in a ball like yarn; it's the very best way. No tangling and you can keep a whole tree's worth in one ball.
The only thing missing from the tree is the star. It's nearly complete, sculpted from clay, baked in the oven and patiently awaiting a treatment of silver leafing.
Clay and I took advantage of the natural "mood lighting" the tree provides and one evening had a late (post-Sam-bedtime) picnic dinner of angel hair with artichoke lemon pesto and festive fizzy peach juice. It felt like such a treat to be camped out on the floor beneath the warm glow of the tree, having a leisurely conversation and simply being in the moment, enjoying each other's company.
Even though we traditionally hang the stockings with care on Christmas eve, I decided to hang them early just so we could enjoy looking at them. I've been adding to the collection each year, making them out of recycled, felted sweaters. A friend accused us of trying to pull one over on Santa, "Guys," he said, "it's not like Santa doesn't know how many kids you have!" I promise we're not trying to score more loot; they're just too fun to make and I can't stop myself! We'll just have to have more kids to put all the stockings to use:)
Have a cozy weekend!
