Oh, Christmas Tree

A couple weeks ago, my friend Allie did a fun "Ornament Tag" on her blog. 

She posted photos and tidbits of the most meaningful ornaments hanging on her tree and tagged fellow blogging friends (me being one) to do the same. 

Without further ado, our Christmas tree. Here she is in all her shimmering glory:

We went to a local Christmas tree farm and cut it down ourselves. I tend to prefer Charlie Brown-like trees. I like when there is space between the branches, a little sparse, tall and skinny. Amidst the forest of massive trees, we sawed down one that looked tiny by comparison. As we were tying it to the roof of our car, we realized it was probably 8' tall and more full than intended. Oh well. 

When we got home, we lit every candle we could find, cued up The Family Stone

and Francis whipped up a batch of the best spiked eggnog I have ever tasted.

It seems that every year, I forget a bit about our ornaments. Opening the box and unwrapping them one-by-one often feels like a surprise for what's inside.

Here are some of my favorites:

Francis has been playing golf since he was 3 with his dad and they still play together all summer long. 

My friend Allie and I also played golf all through high school, so this sweet glass, golf ball ornament (a gift from my mom) is a nice ode to that. 

This fridge ornament was one of my favorites growing up. My mom actually keeps it out in the kitchen year round. I loved to open and close the door, watch the light pop on and off, and study each miniature object inside (especially the snowman in the freezer). This year my mom surprised me with a fridge of my own. She loved it so much that she bought two, saving one for me down the road. Ever thoughtful she is.  

Traveling to London when I was a Junior in high school, studying abroad there as a Senior in college, and honeymooning there with Francis has made me just a wee bit obsessed with the city. This little double decker bus, black cab, and blown glass ball from the Tate Modern are sweet reminders of the city that has stolen our hearts. 

An ornament I bought at a small shoppe in Holland. 

I love having a little reminder of travels on our tree. 

This little strawberry makes me happy. Simple and a bit silly, but I love it. 

This bird is one of our oldest ornaments, from my first Christmas. 

My grandma loved to give small pieces from the Precious Moments collection as Christmas gifts. 

On a trip to New York, the year after my grandma passed away, I went to go see Mary Poppins on Broadway with two of my dearest friends. That year, my aunt sent me a Mary Poppins Precious Moments ornament combining the two treasured memories.

Two of the most thoughtful ornaments on our tree were a gift from my friend, Ashley. A package arrived the first Christmas after our wedding with handmade ornaments. The one on top is our wedding invitation, cut apart and curled inside of a glass ball. The second, is dried flowers from our table centerpieces. The third, which isn't pictured because it, along with my heart, broke this year was filled with rainwater from the storm the day of our wedding. All are tied together with ribbons we used on our hotel guest bags. These remain some of my favorite gifts to date - just so incredibly thoughtful. 

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love bows. 

They can often be found adorning my ponytail, so it felt a fitting tree topper for us. 

There you have it, ladies and gents, from top to bottom, our Christmas tree. 

I would love to see or hear about others' favorite ornaments. 

Leave a comment or link to what ornaments make you all warm and fuzzy inside. 

Ps. Coming tomorrow, I have a holiday version of my favorite fall stove simmer.