Christmas time in Canada [Archive] - All Things Christmas Forum

Crazymike1965

11-11-2009, 07:51 AM

Hello everyone :) I spoke with Bob and got the thumbs up to create a thread on the mayhem that takes place every year just after Halloween up here in southern Ontario, Canada

When I was a little boy I used to have dreams of a crystal tree, tall and slim, full of thousands of lights and ornaments. I was always a kid with his head in the clouds and Christmas became such a magical time of the year for me. :dance:

My tree started off as a 4ft white tree. It then became a 6 foot tree followed by the tree that I am using right now a slim 8 foot Torre fur ( I think that was the name of it :christmastree: ) and there is a new tree coming in 2010 -2011.

This is my second Christmas here and it is so nice to meet all the wonderful folks from all over the planet that have a love for Christmas.

I hope that you enjoy the pictures that I will be posting in the coming days and weeks :gelf:

Mike

Crazymike1965

11-11-2009, 10:52 AM

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c1.JPG

Getting ready to open the box

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c2.JPG

Let the fun begin !!!

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c3.JPG

Starting to put the tree together ( the while stuff on the ground is artifical snow which I put on the tree every year. I collect as much of it when I take the tree down for the following year )

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c4.JPG

I use white ties to remind me where I need to continue with the lights after
taking a break.

Crazymike1965

11-11-2009, 11:02 AM

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/IMG_1654.JPG

Ornamotors which need to be attached and secured to the branches.

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/IMG_1653.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/IMG_1667.JPG

Lots of ornaments to be put on the tree :)

ChantelleJoy

11-11-2009, 11:38 AM

Mike! I'm very happy you have your own thread to show off your Tree(s!). Looking forward to following the progress as it comes along!

*high five to fellow Canadian*

Kittyskyfish

11-11-2009, 12:29 PM

Great job coming along, Mike! So are you working with an manufacturer pre-lit tree or one that you wired yourself and left in place post-season? I'm like you - I can't have too many lights!

Looking forward to seeing your work continue! :)

Crazymike1965

11-11-2009, 12:57 PM

tinkerbell2

11-11-2009, 04:13 PM

crazymike your tree is lovely without anything on it..:christmastree:

cant wait to see it finished..:elf3:

olga

11-11-2009, 04:55 PM

I love big trees with many hundreds of lights on.. I love your tree friend, even if you have not put any ornaments yet. When you do, I think your tree will be just wonderful.
Btw, how tall is it?

:tree1:

markgbarba1987

11-11-2009, 11:22 PM

I am planning on buying a new. I kinda in a dilemma to buy a white one, or just the green one... which one looks better? :tree1:

Elvira1986

11-11-2009, 11:59 PM

I saw last years pictures. They were wonderful. Can't wait to see how it will look this year!

Kittyskyfish

11-12-2009, 05:05 AM

Actually Kitty the had nights in it when I purchased it 10 years ago. When I first bought it I was able to tightly wrap 1100 lights into the core of the tree which I have been able to leave in the tree. I add another 1500 lights plus another 1100 twinkle lights which I remove
every year.

When I change trees in 2 years I will buy a prelit one and are hoping to go the LED route like Tinkerbell has done for half of the lights .

KItty btw I love your tree it is beautiful !!!!!!!!!!

It's smart to keep on as much as possible - doing thousands of lights takes a LOT of time! I think with all your lights, it would never compact because the wiring eventually becomes very bulky. :)

LED-type christmas lights have really come a long way. I bought a dozen boxes of them back in 2005 (C7-style, or what is called a strawberry bulb) and a problem I've had with LEDs is their lack of sparkle. They tend to "glow". This would only be a problem for those that love the sparkle that mini-lights give (me, for example). There are newer 5mm ones that are dome-shaped and claim to be multi-directional. I've seen these on trees and they look very nice. They have more sparkle than the C7 style.

5mm LED lights (http://www.ledchristmaslights.com/5mm-wide-angle)

Thanks for the compliment on my tree! :) I'll be shopping for more lights this year after Christmas. lol!

Crazymike1965

11-12-2009, 06:07 AM

Kitty I have to say it again your tree is wonderful :)

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c5.JPG

The tree has been secured with fish line to the ceiling ( top left of pic the line is visable)
This tree will take a direct hit from a 165 pound man and will remain standing) I give the
tree a stress test every year before I start decorating)

The ornaments start to go on the tree !!!

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009C6.JPG

Lots of disco balls LOL :)

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009C8.JPG

Pay no attention to the freak :) My wife wanted to catch me in action :)

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c9.JPG

This tree is a daunting task to set up especially when you cannot make up your mind where to put certain types of ornaments :)

More to come :presents1:

Crazymike1965

11-12-2009, 06:20 AM

EllfGirl

11-12-2009, 08:08 AM

Wow Mike! I already love your tree so much!:smitten::christmastree: Can't wait so see it finished!:home:

olga

11-12-2009, 03:55 PM

Sorry for taking so long to reply Olga. The tree is 8 feet tall.

Very nice work friend!! :yahoo:

tinkerbell2

11-12-2009, 04:05 PM

Nice tree there crazymike:christmastree:

cant wait for the next lot of pictures.:elf3:

ChantelleJoy

11-12-2009, 05:30 PM

Thanks so much for updating with your progress pics! This is very exciting, so far it looks FABULOUS. Really Really pretty lights and your ornaments are STUNNING :)

One day I really want to have an 8 Foot Tree --- But I'll have to make due with my 6 foot one for now.

Between Kitty's Tree and Mike's Tree, I'm honestly itching to start putting mine up (but not till after my b-day on the 23rd!!!) :D :D :D

Crazymike1965

11-13-2009, 07:19 AM

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009C10.JPG

It is about 95% done now. I have lots of pictures to post but I need to resize them. I just put the snow on the tree and my wife is mad that she was not around to take any pictures of me adding the snow. I was covered with snow and spent 30 minutes vacuuming up the mess LOL .

I still have more work to do on the tree. I wish that I could get a decent picture of the tree.

I will post more pictures in a few hours :)

Fezziwig

11-13-2009, 11:47 AM

The tree looks beautiful my man .. good job.

Crazymike1965

11-13-2009, 12:23 PM

Thanks Fezzi :)

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c11.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c12.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c13.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c14.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c16.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c17.JPG

steph535

11-13-2009, 12:31 PM

Beautiful, Mike!

Crazymike1965

11-13-2009, 12:38 PM

Thanks Steph :)

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/CM2007.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/CM2007b.jpg

Christmas 2007

If you see this person on the street call the police :tree:

My wife trying to take a serious picture of me :)

steph535

11-13-2009, 12:45 PM

Lol!

tinkerbell2

11-13-2009, 04:12 PM

Well all I can say is absolutely stunning,brilliant.:christmastree:

olga

11-13-2009, 05:51 PM

Im impressed, very nice tree friend. :tree1:

Christmasplease

11-14-2009, 03:05 AM

Beautiful, beautiful tree Mike. This year I am using clear glass and clear acrylic ornaments on my tree. Also some white and silver pics. What colours are your ornaments?:christmastree:

SnowAngel

11-14-2009, 04:37 AM

wow, that is incredible! Better than the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree!! I wouldn't have the patience. I'm looking forward to decorating my little 5-foot (?) tree. I'm not even sure how tall it is.

JollyElfDC

11-15-2009, 02:05 AM

That is a lot of work. You did a great job. I was thinking of not putting up my tree this year, but now you've sort of guilted me in to it. LOL

Crazymike1965

11-15-2009, 09:55 AM

Thanks for all the comments :)

Christmas Please all of the ornaments are silver or transparent made from plastic, glass, and even crystal.

KrisKringle the Rockafeller tree is probably one of the most famous and most amazing tree on the planet. I am hoping to one day see it in person. I am happy thatr you like it :)

JollyElfDC you have to put up your tree this year :)

I have more pictures coming shorly :)

Home alone 2

11-15-2009, 09:57 AM

Great tree love it :elf1: :santa2:

steph535

11-15-2009, 11:43 AM

That is a lot of work. You did a great job. I was thinking of not putting up my tree this year, but now you've sort of guilted me in to it. LOL

didn't anybody explain to you that one of the rules for joining ATC is that you have to put up a tree??? he-he-he, just kidding:elf1:

Kittyskyfish

11-15-2009, 11:55 AM

Whoa Mike!! Your tree is gorgeous!!! Love, love it!! Now you can sip wine by the fire and enjoy the beauty...of course the fire being your tree.

Uh oh, I just noticed you missed a spot.

Just kidding!!!!

olga

11-16-2009, 02:40 AM

That is a lot of work. You did a great job. I was thinking of not putting up my tree this year, but now you've sort of guilted me in to it. LOL

Well, as you can realise, it is about time that you put your tree up!!!! Finally!!

:gelf:

ChantelleJoy

11-16-2009, 05:55 AM

Mike -- as always your tree looks stunning! :) Thanks for sharing, love the close-up ones, so much detail I'm sure you could take a thousand different photos and they'd all be different! :smitten:

Papa_Christmas

11-17-2009, 01:35 AM

Looks like it will be a beauty.Look forward to seeing the finished product.

Crazymike1965

11-19-2009, 05:55 AM

Thank you Papa Christmas :)

Crazymike1965

11-20-2009, 01:11 AM

more pictures :)

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c18.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c19.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c20.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c21.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c22.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c23.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c24.JPG

Crazymike1965

11-20-2009, 01:18 AM

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c25.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c26.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c27.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c28.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c29.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c30.JPG

Crazymike1965

11-20-2009, 01:24 AM

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c31.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c32.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c33.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c34.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c35.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c36.JPG

Papa_Christmas

11-20-2009, 01:34 AM

Absolutely beautiful Mike. Has a nice frosty look to it. Makes me want to go put on my toque!

Crazymike1965

11-20-2009, 01:42 AM

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c38.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c39.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c40.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c41.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c42.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c43.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/2009c44.JPG

I need to do some more work on the tree. I have a set of lights that are out towards the top of the tree to fix. A few more ornamotors to attach and a few more ornaments to put on the tree. I then have a few cables to hide and some more snow to add and the tree
will be complete.

:rudolph:

tinkerbell2

11-20-2009, 01:43 AM

Your tree is gorgeous......i love it...:christmastree::christmastree:

Crazymike1965

11-20-2009, 01:52 AM

Thanks Papa_Christmas and Tinkerbell :) I always make a king size mess with the snow LOL. I am going to start to plug the tree in this Saturday and open the curtains. There are lots of people here in Canada that already have their trees up and lights on. As I mentioned in an earlier post Canada has it's Thanksgiving in October so as soon as Halloween is over , the Christmas season begins.

I will take more pictures on the weekend :)

tinkerbell2

11-20-2009, 01:56 AM

you have very similiar taste in tree decorations as mine, but I can say you
have more decorations on yours than I do...:christmastree:

love it...:smitten: love it..:smitten: love it..:smitten:

Crazymike1965

11-20-2009, 02:14 AM

Thanks Tink :waving:

I love your tree and they are very similiar. The decorating time is ridiculous. I have spent 44hours so far on that tree and there is about 1400 individual ornaments and icycles on the tree. This might be the last year that I use that particular tree. It will become the "purple" themed tree in 2010 or 2011. I am not going to be setting up the Purple tree this year because of all the packing that is going on. I am going to get a 12' tree when my wife and I move into our new home which is currently under construction. I will have my work cut out for me with the 12' crystal tree. I recently found a beautiful slim profile 12' tree prelit with 2500 lights. I am planning to add a bunch of Tink's led lights to it plus the twinkle lights from this tree My wife is going to kill me LOL.

tinkerbell2

11-20-2009, 02:17 AM

Thanks Tink :waving:

I love your tree and they are very similiar. The decorating time is ridiculous. I have spent 44hours so far on that tree and there is about 1400 individual ornaments and icycles on the tree. This might be the last year that I use that particular tree. It will become the "purple" themed tree in 2010 or 2011. I am not going to be setting up the Purple tree this year because of all the packing that is going on. I am going to get a 12' tree when my wife and I move into our new home which is currently under construction. I will have my work cut out for me with the 12' crystal tree. I recently found a beautiful slim profile 12' tree prelit
with 2500 lights. I am planning to add a bunch of Tink's led lights to it plus the twinkle
lights from this tree My wife is going to kill me LOL.

Wow that sounds magnificent cant wait for next years pictures..:christmastree:
You are brilliant at decorating thats all I can say...:elf3:

SnowAngel

11-20-2009, 03:47 AM

steph535

11-20-2009, 03:58 AM

Mike, as always, your tree is gorgeous; I love your pics. I like to put birds on my tree, too.

ChantelleJoy

11-20-2009, 08:53 AM

Mike - I love all of the close-up photos the best (Although the overall tree is, of course, stunning). All of your ornaments are fantastic, but I have to say that the glass/clear snowflakes always catch my eye. Lovley - thanks for sharing!

http://allthingschristmas.com/forum/images/icons/snow.gif

http://allthingschristmas.com/forum/images/icons/snow.gif

http://allthingschristmas.com/forum/images/icons/snow.gif

markgbarba1987

11-20-2009, 11:09 AM

niceeeee... this is the tree I want to put up... very pleasing to the eyes... Now, it really feels like Christmas. hehe. :tree1:

Crazymike1965

11-27-2009, 06:34 PM

The tree is finished. It was absolutely insane amount of work. My wife says I am nuts LOL

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/IMG_4560.JPG

lots of glass ornaments and I did not break any :)

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/IMG_4567.JPG

This is the tree in twinkle mode. I can switch off 2700 of the lights.

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/IMG_4574.JPG

daytime shot of the tree. I hope the guy wire does not snap :)

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/IMG_4577.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/IMG_4576.JPG

This was a really neat pic of the sun hitting the tree as I took the photo

Crazymike1965

11-27-2009, 06:37 PM

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/IMG_4578.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/IMG_4580.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/IMG_4583.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/IMG_4585.JPG

Some close ups of the tree :)

tinkerbell2

11-27-2009, 06:37 PM

Absolutely stunning crazymike......I am in spellbound by it...:smitten::smitten::smitten:

Crazymike1965

11-27-2009, 06:43 PM

Thanks Tink :) I am going to try and take a video of it as there are so many moving ornaments and you can hear all the little motors working.

tinkerbell2

11-27-2009, 06:44 PM

Thanks Tink :) I am going to try and take a video of it as there are so many moving ornaments and you can hear all the little motors working.

ohh you show off.....:elf1: cant wait....love it.....:elf1:

JollyElfDC

11-27-2009, 10:55 PM

Wow! I bet the pictures don't even do it justice. Really amazing work Mike.

OT where abouts in Toronto do you live? The reason I ask, is from what I can see of your place, it looks like an apartment I used to live in years ago. It was off Victoria park in Don Mills. Wouldn't it be a coincidence if it was the same place?

ornamentmaven

11-28-2009, 02:57 AM

That is one gorgeous tree!!! I love the bird ornaments!:presents3:

SnowAngel

11-28-2009, 04:27 AM

It's mesmerizing! You can now enjoy the outcome of all the hard work!

olga

11-28-2009, 06:05 AM

Amazing Mike. Really great work. If I were in your place I would stay home 24 hours a day....

:elf3:

Donna-50

11-28-2009, 07:43 AM

You do put up one gorgeous tree. Love all the ornaments. You can really tell that your tree takes many hours.

onemagicalchristmas

11-28-2009, 08:17 AM

I adore your ornaments!

Crazymike1965

11-28-2009, 04:35 PM

Thanks for all the nice comments everyone :)

Wow! I bet the pictures don't even do it justice. Really amazing work Mike.

OT where abouts in Toronto do you live? The reason I ask, is from what I can see of your place, it looks like an apartment I used to live in years ago. It was off Victoria park in Don Mills. Wouldn't it be a coincidence if it was the same place?

JollyElf I know the very buildings that you are talking about. Actually I did live in the area years ago. I am currently living in Burlington which is about 45 minutes west of Toronto.

JollyElfDC

11-28-2009, 11:27 PM

Wow small world. I know Burlington. I never lived there or anything, but I know of the area.:snowman:

Merry Christmas Darling

11-29-2009, 01:22 AM

Beautiful as always, Mike, and don't forget to show us the other tree! :snowman:

Crazymike1965

12-10-2009, 04:53 AM

Thanks MW :) I am going to decorate one other tree shortly. I will post more pictures The rest of the trees will stay boxed up until we move to the house. I have received permission to buy a 12' tree for the house that will replace the 8' crystal tree in 2010. Hopefully I can get one on sale in the coming weeks :)

ChantelleJoy

12-10-2009, 09:18 AM

Crazymike1965

12-16-2009, 02:55 AM

Mike, welcome back! That's so great that you'll get to upgrade your tree size next year! Hopefully you have enough ornaments for a 12' Tree (I think you'll be ok!).

I work in Burlington, actually, I'm surprised your tree doesn't light up the whole town!

Wow Chantelle it is a small world !!!! I live near Mapleview mall and will be moving in June to Dundas and Walkers line if you are familiar with those spots. I would invite you over but ou

ChantelleJoy

12-16-2009, 12:15 PM

Wow Chantelle it is a small world !!!! I live near Mapleview mall and will be moving in June to Dundas and Walkers line if you are familiar with those spots. I would invite you over but ou

.. I wonder what the rest of that sentance was going to be.. LOL

Yes I do know where that is. I work at Appleby/QEW (but live in Oakville)!
I went on a Xmas shopping spree, of sorts at Burlington Mall last weekend, even (because Oakville doesn't have an Old Navy!) :D

:elf3: :santa1:

Crazymike1965

12-17-2009, 02:37 AM

Sorry about that Chantelle :dizzy:I am not sure what happened to the rest of my message.
What is was going to say is that we would invite you over but our place looks like a bomb has hit the place :) We will certainly have to get together once we have moved :presents1:

My wife loves Old Navy and is there fairly often.

mcjakeqcool

12-17-2009, 03:01 AM

Over there you are accaulty guaranteed a white xmas.

ChantelleJoy

12-18-2009, 09:22 PM

Over there you are accaulty guaranteed a white xmas.

Actually, we're almost at the very southern part of Canada, meaning statistically we only have 57% chance (in Toronto) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Christmas#White_Christmases_in_Canada) of a White Christmas! :my lord:

Crazymike1965

12-26-2009, 11:23 AM

Merry Christmas everyone :) We had a green Christmas here in southern Ontario. I was hoping for some snow but no luck. Jeannette and I are heading out early tomorrow morning in search of a 12' tree :) I have my fingers crossed that we will find a tree :)

Merry Christmas Darling

12-26-2009, 12:27 PM

On December 24th we had snow with a sheet of ice over it; on Christmas morning most of the snow was gone and it was pouring rain. It was a yucky day.

:merrychristmas:

tinkerbell2

12-26-2009, 05:27 PM

Crazymike1965

12-27-2009, 02:13 AM

Hello everyone :) I bought a monster tree :christmastree: It was expensive but it was 50% off. It weighs 157 pounds and stands 12 feet. It also came prelit with 2000 lights which will save me some work. It was also in 5 sections which helped with getting it into the apartment. I am scatched, beaten, and battered but I made it home lol.

Donna-50

12-27-2009, 04:49 AM

Yikes, that is the only probably with the pre-lit is that they are so heavy because of all the metal. Mine is only 75 lbs (7 1/2) but I bring it in from the garage one piece at a time.

Merry Christmas Darling

12-27-2009, 08:26 AM

I am scatched, beaten, and battered but I made it home lol.

I know the feeling and our tree is only 71/2 feet tall. Whew!

onemagicalchristmas

12-27-2009, 10:17 AM

My prelit is pretty light. I love it
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!

Crazymike1965

01-12-2010, 02:09 AM

Hello Friends,
Christmas has come and gone and I am going to start taking down the crystal tree this week. 2010 is going to be a busy year. Jeannette and I move into the new house this summer and I have a new 12' crystal tree to decorate in 10 months :gelf:

Here are some Boxing day pics:

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/photo2.jpg

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/photo3.jpg

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/photo4.jpg

The tree was too heavy for me to handle in the box so I remove 3 of the 6 pieces and leave the balance 3 pieces in the box. The tree barely fit inside the station wagon :singing:

Just after I claimed the tree 3 other people came over to buy it so we were lucky that we got to the store when it opened.

Donna-50

01-12-2010, 11:50 AM

I told you those pre-lit trees are heavy. I have to bring mine in from the garage one piece at a time because I don't want to break my back and I can't image a 12' tree.

JollyElfDC

01-12-2010, 12:32 PM

Wow! I can't wait until next years pictures Mike.
A friend of mine said he bought a prelit and it wasn't heavy, so I guess it depends on what brand you get. His was only 5 or 6 feet tall.

olga

01-12-2010, 04:18 PM

You've got a lot of work, pal!! And all the time of course :gelf: :gelf:

Crazymike1965

06-22-2010, 09:22 AM

Hello everyone,

The house is under construction and fingers crossed will be finished Oct 12th. Christmas decorating will start November 1st

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/house1.JPG

The livingroom where the 12 'tree will be set up

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/house2.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/house3.JPG

The raised ceiling goes up about 14' so I will have space for a
big tree topper.

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/house4.JPG

JollyElfDC

06-22-2010, 10:26 AM

I hope everything stays to schedule. You have your work cut out for you! Moving all your regular stuff in and setting up the tree will defininitely burn off all your Thanksgiving calories. I can't wait to see this years pictures. Do you have anything planned for the outside?

Crazymike1965

06-22-2010, 10:50 AM

I am hoping that we will make it in on time. I am taking 4 weeks vacation to get unpacked and a week to start on the big tree. I do have some rough ideas for outdoor lights and I bought myself one of those little giant ladders.

Donna-50

06-22-2010, 10:57 AM

Didn't realize that you were building. That is pretty stressful. Hopefully you will be in on time but you will probably be able to tell the closer you get. So you already have the spot for the tree?

Crazymike1965

06-22-2010, 11:08 AM

Hi Donna :)

Yes the new 12' tree I bought back on Boxing day will be in the living room by the window. I bought the tree based on the high ceiling in the livingroom. This tree will also become the crystal theme tree.

Donna the new house has been stressful and expensive. I am just finalizing the upgrades.

Donna-50

06-22-2010, 11:46 AM

They always end up more expensive then when you start. Good luck with all the choices or hopefully you are already done with that.

Keep up posted on the house and can't wait to see the tree or shall I say tree's.

Crazymike1965

08-26-2010, 02:29 AM

Hello everyone :) I hope that you are all having a wonderful summer. It is 4 months to go until Christmas and the house is moving along at a good pace. We will be moving in on October 12th and by Nov 1st I will start to set the big tree. I am going to cover the front window with several drop sheets so that I do not freak out the neighbours lol

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/h1.JPG

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/h2.JPG

Crazymike1965

08-26-2010, 02:47 AM

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/h3.jpg

I got the builder to install a electrical box on the ceiling 15 feet above the tree as well as an area that I can use guy wires to secure the tree. I also had 2 sets of kitchen split ac plugs installed that can handle a 60amp load.

tinkerbell2

08-26-2010, 03:58 AM

Your house is looking fantastic Crazymike..:elf3:

Cant wait to see the tree's...:elf1:

Crazymike1965

08-26-2010, 04:27 AM

Thanks Tinkerbell :)

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/h4.JPG

Here is another shot of the livingroom

tinkerbell2

08-26-2010, 06:02 AM

Thanks Tinkerbell :)

http://www.mikestruys.com/images/Mike/h4.JPG

Here is another shot of the livingroom

Wow its going to look fantastic....so envious..:elf1:

Donna-50

08-27-2010, 12:05 PM

Looking good. Have you made all your decisions on the house yet? That was the part that terrified me as you just don't know if it will look good in the end.

You really did put a lot of thought into your tree when building.

Crazymike1965

08-27-2010, 11:07 PM

Hi Donna,

The livingroom is a perfect fit for the new tree :)

Yes we have picked out all of our upgrades for the house. It was a very long process as the house is quite big. Our current place is about 1000 sf. This house is 4200 sf. The worst part was picking out cabinets, tiles, and floors for the 4 washrooms. I also had a difference of opinion in regards to the countertop in the kitchen. I wanted granite and my wife did not. She gave me creative control of the kitchen so I eventually got my way and got the granite. I hope that we do not move any time soon :)

olga

08-28-2010, 02:57 AM

Hey, Crazymike, Im simply amazed. What a beautiful house, my friend!! And how many rooms are we talking about?? Seems to me sooo big!!
I can almost imagine it decorated for Christmas!!

And how are things doing with you? I guess, all your time goes for the house!! :elf3:

Crazymike1965

08-30-2010, 04:09 AM

Hi Olga :waving:

The house has 4 washrooms, 5 bedrooms, main floor office, and laundry room. It is going to keep me very busy :)

olga

08-30-2010, 04:15 PM

Hi Olga :waving:

The house has 4 washrooms, 5 bedrooms, main floor office, and laundry room. It is going to keep me very busy :)

Im really looking forward to your pictures with hour house decorated for Christmas, my friend.. :christmastree:
Youre sooooooooooooooo lucky to have such a beautiful house.. :santa:

Crazymike1965

08-31-2010, 01:21 AM

Thanks Olga, It is going to be a lot of work.

gandr1212

09-01-2010, 04:37 PM

Mike love your house. Came across this photo and thought of your new house. I love the dedicated light above.

Gail

Crazymike1965

09-01-2010, 07:21 PM

Mike love your house. Came across this photo and thought of your new house. I love the dedicated light above.

Gail

Hi Gail :) Very nice picture. I am going to have my work cut out for me that is for sure :)

ChantelleJoy

09-06-2010, 07:54 PM

Hey Everyone!

While I absolutely love the info about Mike's New House - this thread has gone off-topic and should be in the Everything Else Forum!

I'm closing this one for now - feel free to start another thread once you've started Decorating Mike (I know I'm not the only one who eagerly awaits your decorations EVERY YEAR!), and to update us on the progress of your house, start a thread in Everything Else (http://allthingschristmas.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=16).

:D

:merrychristmas: