The Christmas Tree

 

My Christmas tree is very traditional and pulling from some of the oldest Christmas customs.   Martin Luther is said to have decorated a small Christmas tree with candles, to show his children how the stars twinkled through the dark night.  (www.christmasarchives.com)

 In the mid 16th century, Christmas markets were set up in German towns, to provide everything from gifts, food, and more practical things.  At these fairs, bakers made shaped gingerbreads and wax ornaments for people to buy as souvenirs of the fair, and take home to hang on their Christmas Trees. (www.christmasarchives.com)

I gathered some pine cones locally, then spray painted them, and sprinkled glamor dust glitter over the wet spray paint.  I wrapped a green pipe cleaner around the top and created ornaments.  

I found some beautiful metal frames at the thrift store for very little.  They were dark and dirty when I found them and I cleaned them up and put past Christmas pictures in them.  This is a favorite with my two sons being held by a relative playing Santa Claus.

 These glass ornaments look expensive but I got them at the Dollar Tree after Christmas one year for 50 cents a piece!  My favorite time to shop for Christmas is after Christmas for the next year's decor.

Some toys sitting below the tree until we need more room for presents.

I love to enjoy the tree as much as possible for it will soon be gone.  

I will link this to:

Holiday Home Christmas Tree Party at The Thrifty Decor Chic
Show Off Your Cottage Monday at The House in the Roses 

You can also view the tree in movie format.  It is under a minute.