The Christmas Tree

As I have been challenged by my friend Raspberry Grace I thought I'd best get some photos on here ASAP. Her tree is so pretty, it had me oooooo-ing and ahhh-ing for ages. You can see her tree and other decorations on her blog.
This is our tree at 5pm on Friday, 7th December. My OH thought I was bonkers taking a picture before it was decorated, but as you'll see from the others, it's probably the best one (hides face with embarrassment!)


420 lights, 1 angel and 2 and a half hours later.......................................


........................ this is a close up of the angel. She is about 20 years old now (or at least that's how long she's been an angel) She was originally a doll given to Claudia by my niece. Each year I think about making her a new dress, but she still looks very pretty (even with her taped wings ) and below is a rather fuzzy full view (embarrassed again !)


Below is a close-up of some of my favourite tree-nkets



I'll try to get some better pics of them, but the baubles that have been hand painted with snowy cottages were a real find. I saw them in a window of a small charity shop in our town and thought I just had to have them but I couldn't see a price. I went into the shop and asked (always a worthwhile thing to do, doh is me) and guess how much? Go on have a guess. OK I'll tell you. Get ready for it ..........................£1.95 for 4 !!!!!!!!! What a bargain !!!!!
I saw some similar on TV tonight and (although a bit bigger) they were £6 each !



In the above picture is 1 of a set of 4 angels we've had for years too, they are made from crimped paper with wooden heads and hands, each holding a different stringed instrument. To the left is a glass bauble. Originally it was 1 of 6, but over the years 1 got broken. They are hand-painted too, and another bargain, even though I've had them at least 10 years I found them in a small £1shop.

To the right of the angel is Claudia's bells. She made them at playschool when she was 3 and the tree just wouldn't be the same without them.

Underneath the tree we put all the little Christmas cuddly toys we've had bought us over the years, but this year they have been relegated to the sides because of these.........


.............................. they usually sit on the window sill and get hidden by the tree, but because we have our nice new stand instead of a bucket they fit very nicely at the front !

Hope you've enjoyed the little tour around my tree. Now all I have to do is put out the ornaments, make the mince pies, finish (or should I say start) my cards, do some sewing,..........


With love and blessings in Christ

Elaine

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