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  A Christmas of Loving, because we are loved .......... Welcome to my Christmas page

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There are so many possible themes. It helps to decide your general style and then choose your colors. No one has to start all over, if you add to your theme year by year.

  The Christian association of the evergreen tree seems to have started with St. Boniface, who used some of the symbolic meanings of the German tribes to illustrate concepts of Christian faith. So from the German traditions the Christmas tree has been part of the decorations of Christmastime.
To help create the effect you imagine, I have a few helpful hints:

ornament

Color Themes

{Burgandy and Gold}{Blue and Silver}{Mauve, Purple and Metallic}{Red and White}{Sage Green, Pink, and White}{Gold}{Blue, Green, and White}

  The range is only limited by the imagination. Certain colors will be associated with certain styles at times. The Danish tree with the red and white of the flag and the golden wheat and metallic colors is typical. Swedish flag of Blue and Gold, or Tartan colors of Red and Green make a basic scheme to work from.

  Gingham bows could provide a duo of white and whatever country colors that pleased you.

ornament

Style themes

  Another approach is to choose your style.{Country Homespun}{Victorian Elegance}{Teddy Bears and Toys}{Religious}{Angels and Sparkles}{Nature}{The National Styles mentioned}{Folk Art}

In one style theme, you could bring a bit of summer memories into your Christmas. A natural beach theme would be beautiful in a home with blues and neutrals. Think of sea shells, silver glinting ornaments, natural raffia bows, little pails with wrapped salt water taffy, all sorts of things! To get you started think "sea and beach" you could visit Sherry's Sea Shells, a place with ready-made sea shell ornaments, among many other crafts.

ornament

Interests

  Somehow references to ones special hobbies and interests make it into decorating the tree. This could spawn a whole style! I am thinking of fishing, but gardening, or any hobby could serve for inspiration.{Hobbies} {Collectables of snowmen, pets, cartoon characters} {Nutcracker Story} {Gardens and Flowers} {Baking}

  If you start out with a small table top tree you can see what fun and how nice the effect can be with this type of tree decorating. Try not to get carried away... it is just one part of the holiday. There is a lot to be said for the beauty of simplicity. Not to mention easing the time crunch, but this is one effort at decorating that can be carried from year to year. the key is to add to your joy in the celebration.

  Perhaps you are interested in having ornaments with symbolic meaning, such as the Polish tradition? Look over the popular meanings of some of those ornaments you are likely to find. Ever wonder why they have pickle ornaments, for instance? Holly Hobby A story of symbolic meanings, worth reading and maybe reading to your children. A way to reflect on some of the reasons we celebrate.

LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS PICKLE
  A pickle is used as decoration on the Christmas tree seems odd at first, but it is an old German tradition. When decorating the Christmas tree, it is traditional to hang the pickle last, hidden among the branches. The first child on Christmas Day to find the Christmas pickle receives a special blessing for the year and an extra gift! Great tradition to share with your family this year and for years to come!





Until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. All else is outward display--so much tinsel and decorations. For it isn't the holly, it isn't the snow. It isn't the tree, not the firelight's glow. It's the warmth that comes to the hearts of men when the Christmas spirit returns again.
    ~Anonymous (Pipefuls)



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  National themes are traditional for certain countries. A Danish tree is often decorated with tiny cheerful Danish Flags. I have a few illustrations from Carl Larsson who painted homey scenes of how he viewed Swedish/Scandinavian life. The colors are typically Scandinavian, light and bright, and reflect the value of "coziness" in handmade ornaments and a clean simple look.

  A Victorian look couldn't be more different. Even with the same color combination, its opulance and abundance of lace, paper and glass ornaments fill the tree as their lives and rooms were filled with refinements and ornament. Deep colors such as the burgandy- gold combination are especially given to this style.

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  If you need some inspiration for gifts, or if you just like to look over book recommendations, I have My Bookshelf. This is the part of the page where I get to talk about my favorite books and things.


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What does it mean to "guywire " the tree? Locate your tree near a stationary drapery rod, or drive a sturdy nail into the wall surface. Take very fine, but strong wire, metal, or fishline and wind around the top of the tree and secure to the rod, or the nail. This will ensure that rambunctious and curious children cannot topple the tree. ( This did happen in my living room one year.)


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  • The candy cane has a legend
  • mistletoe = peace
  • holly = Christ's crown of thorns
  • birds = joy
  • cottage = humility
  • apple = Adam and Eve
  • grapes = friendship
  • heart = love
  • angel = heaven
  • teapot = hospitality



a homey fire