Christmas music was playing, snow began falling – our afternoon of decorating the Christmas tree was magical! It really was like something out of a movie. I’m glad we waited until what seemed like the right time for us. It turned out to be the perfect time.
Here’s what it looked like just after we finished.
There will be more shots of the tree, but it’s essentially the usual – vintage Shiny Brites and the large bottlebrush ornaments. We have less of the little ornaments on the tree because they were needed on the feather tree. And our tree this year is so full and wide, there’s no way we could cover it with ornaments. Nor do we do that anyway. I’m not into the trees where every inch is covered with ornaments. Though I appreciate the look of them, I like to see the tree, as well as the ornaments.
We’re really happy with both of our trees. I also have a little tree upstairs in the studio and, of course, there are the usual trees in the dollhouses. And lots of little bottlebrush trees decorating the doll shelves. Oh, and the little white tree in the den, which is always the first one I set up.
I’ll be taking more pictures soon.
Here’s a closeup of the feather tree:
Mostly vintage Shiny Brites, along with some pretty acorns I found in Heidi’s shop years ago. A little wooden Santa that I’ve had since I was in high school is hanging from the top of the tree. And a wooden angel by Debbie Thibault is guarding the tree. I’ve had the angel since we lived in San Diego.
This feather tree has to be one of the nicest gifts I’ve ever received. Don loves it and his chair is right next to that table, so he gets to look at it all day long.
__________________________________
On a somber note, Jubilant Sykes, a wonderful operatic baritone who was loved and respected by everyone he met, was brutally murdered on Monday at his home in Santa Monica. He was stabbed to death by his son, who had mental health issues. I worked with Jubilant in 2013 at Hartford Stage. Darko was directing him in a play called Breath and Imagination and he asked me to come in for a day or two and work with Jubilant. What an extraordinary man he was, full of kindness and humor. And that voice! He sang “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?” at the end of the play and it was glorious. I remember him vividly and to learn that he left us so tragically is devastating. Prayers for his family who are dealing with the unthinkable.
Google him. There are many videos of him singing. His voice was a gift from God.
Rest in Peace, Jubilant.
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.
Your trees are lovely. I saw that sad news yesterday about Jubilant Sykes – shocking and sad.
Incredibly sad. He was a couple of years younger than me. Such a lovely human being.
Stay safe, Dawn.
Tragic news for the Sykes family.
Your trees look terrific.
Thank you, Ellen.
Stay safe.
Your tress are so festive! It’s fun to see the ornaments and remember their history. Your acorns remind me of my parents ornaments when they first married. They carefully cracked walnuts open, removed the meat, then painted and glittered them. My sisters and I each have several. That was very sad news about Jubilant Sykes. A tragedy.
So heartbreaking, Barrie.
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.
such sad news about jubilant sykes. i am glad you two got the opportunity to work together and hope you will keep those bright lights on extra-long and enjoy your beautiful decorations and home.
stay safe in every way.
kathy
Thank you, Kathy.
Stay safe.
Your trees are lovely. I have never seen a feather tree. It’s reminds me of folk art, or similar.
I am watching a Christmas movie each evening…no news until after Christmas! I can’t take all the bad news right now. There was a horrific murder in Mich. recently. A pregnant woman who was stabbed to death and they tried to take her baby but it died. And now the death of Jubilant Sykes, another senseless loss.
I’m trying to focus on good things right now.
Enjoy your beautiful tree.
How terrible, Marilyn! The mind can’t even take that in that level of cruelty.
Stay safe.
Your trees are perfection! And your large tree can easily handle the bottle brush ornaments. At my townhouse we can’t wait for evening so we can turn on all the lights!
I know! Isn’t it lovely? Although, we turn them on first thing in the morning and they stay until we go to bed. (Unless we’re both out of the house, of course.)
Stay safe.
I thought I might have missed this post and am glad I went back. The trees look beautiful and your home a warm and cozy sanctuary. We need sanctuary this year, more than ever before. I hope you can settle into this last week with peace and find a bit of joy (short supply).
I’ll certainly try, Jeanie!
Stay safe.