1. If we were a family of drinkers, I could understand this tree. Clearly, the kids decorated it. I love the classy bucket underneath.
- I don’t ever remember thinking about what our tree looked like when I was very little, except that I liked to sit and watch the colored lights and play with the wise men and Jesus. Did I notice that our manger was made of cheap cardboard? Nope. Or did I care that Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the overhead angel, with tiny pieces missing from their faces, looked like they’d all been in a bar fight? Nope to that too.
- I do remember our family being together around the table, talking for hours, and all the great food we ate with aunts, uncles and cousins dropping by almost constantly.
- As I got older, I wondered why people chuckled when they came and looked at our trees.
- Now that I’m looking at these photos, I think I know.
- Did it matter? Absolutely not. If I had to choose between my loving family, or great decor, I’d take family in a nanosecond.
2. I remember this as my best childhood Christmas. My sister and I got large walking dolls. My brothers got a basketball hoop. Didn’t remember the tree until this photo. Slightly better than the year before, but the garland draper still had much to learn.
3. My cousin Nancy and I sitting under the tree, which looks kind of happy and like it’s about to wrap us in its boughs!
4. I guess we figured we’d make up our lack of decorating prowess with size. The chairs look a little out of sorts at having to step aside. And good Lord, what was my mom thinking with those chair covers and curtains?
5. And one of my favorites. I can just hear this tree happily shouting, “Isn’t this popcorn string slimming?” I think my sister and I decorated it when I was 13 or 14.
If this post doesn’t make you feel better about your Christmas preparations, you might be beyond hope. Relax, bake some cookies, and remember, they are visiting you, not your decorations.