Traditional Tree

[Merry Christmas Darling]

Would each person describe a traditional tree as you see it your mind's eye?

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/DiademRose/Christmas%20Trees/Christmas%20Dividers/ChristmasDivider3.gif

Thanks! I can hardly wait to see what you say.

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/DiademRose/Christmas%20Trees/Christmas%20Dividers/Christmas_Divider_Sparkly.gif

[TheWire]

Vividly green, tall, but imperfect. But, it is the smell that evokes it -- the naturalistic smell (rather than the artificial one).

[Christmas_mama]

Natural colours, red, green and gold. Decorated with pine cones and wooden ornaments, red green and gold baubles. The same colour theme for the tinsel. A few strings of beads strung across the branches and multicoloured lights :-) Candy canes and little chocolates wrapped in red, green and gold foils. Red and green christmas crackers hidden in the branches. Presents underneath the tree and an ANGEL on top.

The first image that comes to my mind is of a tall, wide, real tree. But it doesn't have to be big to be traditional. The tree that my mum had, when I was growing up, was a fake tree, rather the same shape as the tree that I have now:

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k199/tasha-cat-mad/DSC_00313.jpg

But decorated in the same way that I described above and I'd say that it was traditional - but maybe that's just because it was a tradition of sorts for my family when growing up?

These trees look traditional to me:

http://www.interiorstyledirectory.co.uk/blog/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Christmas-Tree-01.jpeg

http://www.christmas-lights-trees-etc.com/Upload/Pictures/artificial-christmas-trees.jpg

but the first one looks a little over-done, the second one could do with some tinsel and multicoloured lights, and they should definately both have angels on top :angel:

[ornamentmaven]

Full, tall, green trees,- real versa artificial. No color themes- any and all colors, but with lots of red. Garland and/or beads, angel or star topper.

[MinnesotaMike]

The big thing for me is the size of the tree. I know in Europe there are many countries that typically use tabletop size trees. I just LOVE a full-size, floor to ceiling tree that becomes the unrivaled focal point of the living room. I prefer long needles to short needles. I love a variety of lights (both size and color). The pictures above are very beautiful, classic trees, and I love them. Ours is never quite that fancy though. Also, I must have a star on top that lights up.

[Merry Christmas Darling]

Well, I'm no spring chicken. My idea of old-fashioned or traditional trees comes from pictures in storybooks:

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/DiademRose/Christmas%20Trees/ChristmasBook.gif

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/DiademRose/Christmas%20Trees/ChristmasBaby_sChristmas.jpg

I really thought there would be a hodpodge of ornaments, but the size of the tree would vary.

I look forward to more comments. :elf3:

[MinnesotaMike]

I guess my description is what I refer to as MY "traditional", since it's how my tree has always been since I was a kid. However, if by traditional, you simply mean "old", then I picture a tree with candles on it instead of lights, since that is how they "originally" were. One thing I can say is that I LOVE images of Christmas like you posted, that look like they were from MANY years ago!

[Merry Christmas Darling]

The big thing for me is the size of the tree. I know in Europe there are many countries that typically use tabletop size trees. I just LOVE a full-size, floor to ceiling tree that becomes the unrivaled focal point of the living room. I prefer long needles to short needles. I love a variety of lights (both size and color). The pictures above are very beautiful, classic trees, and I love them. Ours is never quite that fancy though. Also, I must have a star on top that lights up.

I've grown quite fond of a star at the top, but an angel comes in second.

[Merry Christmas Darling]

I guess my description is what I refer to as MY "traditional", since it's how my tree has always been since I was a kid. However, if by traditional, you simply mean "old", then I picture a tree with candles on it instead of lights, since that is how they "originally" were. One thing I can say is that I LOVE images of Christmas like you posted, that look like they were from MANY years ago!

This is why I like this thread. We were all born in different years.

[MinnesotaMike]

This is why I like this thread. We were all born in different years.

There is a store near me that has TONS of Christmas decor. They have a lot of items that have images that appear to be from the 1800's and early 1900's. I am drawn to it because it taps into my deep sense of nostalgia that I absolutely thrive on during the holiday season!!

[MinnesotaMike]

CLASSIC!!

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p20/mlindamood/charlie-brown-tree.jpg

[Merry Christmas Darling]

I may give my mother a Charlie Brown or Snoopy for Christmas. :snowman:

[Merry Christmas Darling]

:presents1:


These trees look traditional to me:

http://www.interiorstyledirectory.co.uk/blog/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Christmas-Tree-01.jpeg

http://www.christmas-lights-trees-etc.com/Upload/Pictures/artificial-christmas-trees.jpg

but the first one looks a little over-done, the second one could do with some tinsel and multicoloured lights, and they should definately both have angels on top :angel:

Those trees go well with the houses they're in. I imagine those rooms are as big as my entire house. LOL. My mother always had a glass finial at the top of her tree. I think a finial, star or angel are nice.

[Merry Christmas Darling]

There is a store near me that has TONS of Christmas decor. They have a lot of items that have images that appear to be from the 1800's and early 1900's. I am drawn to it because it taps into my deep sense of nostalgia that I absolutely thrive on during the holiday season!!

Too bad I didn't know about that store the two times I went to the Mall of America. I don't expect to ever be in Minnesota again.

[TheWire]

:presents1:

Those trees go well with the houses they're in. I imagine those rooms are as big as my entire house. LOL. My mother always had a glass finial at the top of her tree. I think a finial, star or angel are nice.

Wow, that first picture is stunning. Exactly the room I'd love to have Christmas in. :presents1:

[Merry Christmas Darling]

I would LOVE a large house and maybe a 7-foot real tree. And I'd love to revive this thread and get more comments, but that's hard to do in August. I may try again in early December.

[steph535]

I'm glad you did. I love both those trees and the decorations. I like the first tree/room the best, I think. in a room like that, one could almost immerse oneself in all of the splendor and charm. this might not make sense to some, but I like that I like those pictures because each year I get a little less into Christmas and a feeling more and more like it's a drudgery to to put a tree up, decorate, etc.... so this is a little bit of the old me coming through.

[Merry Christmas Darling]

I'm glad you did. I love both those trees and the decorations. I like the first tree/room the best, I think. in a room like that, one could almost immerse oneself in all of the splendor and charm. this might not make sense to some, but I like that I like those pictures because each year I get a little less into Christmas and a feeling more and more like it's a drudgery to to put a tree up, decorate, etc.... so this is a little bit of the old me coming through.

I really wasn't up to setting up my seven-foot tree that I had for four years so I switched back to a tabletop tree, but the atmosphere created by a large tree is far better. Now I don't even have space for a large tree because I have more seating provided in my living room. I wish I could get my children and grandchildren to love Christmas as much as I do!

[ornamentmaven]

The love of Christmas is such a personal thing. You never know how the grandkids will feel when they are adults. When it comes to Christmas - my sisters have always called me "The Boss of Christmas". My family loves the way I transform the house at Christmas time - but no one ever wants to help!. The funny thing is, my 2 daughters always argue over who will inherit what. They both want the Christmas village! I say - if you want it then you better learn how to set it up as it is a MAJOR undertaking! Thay promise to, but...

[acabib42]

With just dh and myself by ourselves at Christmas, I quit decorations..... This year I am thinking about starting up again because I miss it so much.

[steph535]

The love of Christmas is such a personal thing. You never know how the grandkids will feel when they are adults. When it comes to Christmas - my sisters have always called me "The Boss of Christmas". My family loves the way I transform the house at Christmas time - but no one ever wants to help!. The funny thing is, my 2 daughters always argue over who will inherit what. They both want the Christmas village! I say - if you want it then you better learn how to set it up as it is a MAJOR undertaking! Thay promise to, but...

yes, my family always loved how I decorated and made things so Christmassy but nobody loved it the way I did and nobody wanted to help. of course, some of that was due to the fact that, even though I love Christmas and the decorations, music, and all, actually doing the work is a love/hate thing with me and every year I would be throwing temper tantrums, getting enraged and swearing at the lights, etc.., taking the lights off and redoing them once or twice, yelling because everything wasn't absolutely perfect, and in general just making things miserable. so, they learned to just back off and get out of my way. I really wanted and needed their help, but they didn't care if there were too many blue ornaments together, or if there was a cluster of green lights together, or if one of the branch tips needed to be tilted a little to the left, etc.... and I would try try try to overlook those things but they would eat away at me.

[steph535]

With just dh and myself by ourselves at Christmas, I quit decorations..... This year I am thinking about starting up again because I miss it so much.

hello, acabib42 and welcome to the forums! we're so glad to have you here! for the first time, it's just my son and I (he will be 18 on Christmas Day) so I am not sure if I will put anything up, both because it's just us two, and also because we will probably be going up north to spend Christmas with my sister and her family. I'm torn because I don't know that I want to go to the bother but at the same time, I cannot image not putting up a tree, decorating the top of the entertainment center, etc...

[Merry Christmas Darling]

With just dh and myself by ourselves at Christmas, I quit decorations..... This year I am thinking about starting up again because I miss it so much.

I would definitely do it! There are some things that should be enjoyed. My late husband came home one night in the seventies and said, "This place looks like a fairyland." I was so happy. I wish I had all the same décor today.

[Merry Christmas Darling]

steph, I regret the lack of decorating I did one year when we went away, and I still cherish photos of our decorations that I put up another time that we went to visit relatives at Christmas.

[*Snowflake*]

I imagine traditional tree....hmmm. It has to be big, huge:elf3: Unfortunately in the first house we lived we didn't have space for huge tree but I was happy with the one we had. I tried to make it look nice. Then when we move to another house and with time we bought (actually last year) new tree. litlle bit bigger and it looks the way I picture ideal tree. I love all kinds of ornaments speciallly in red or golden but I also like wooden ornaments or crystal.Over the years I started to put real pinecones which make my tree looks much natural:tree1:

[ornamentmaven]

yes, my family always loved how I decorated and made things so Christmassy but nobody loved it the way I did and nobody wanted to help. of course, some of that was due to the fact that, even though I love Christmas and the decorations, music, and all, actually doing the work is a love/hate thing with me and every year I would be throwing temper tantrums, getting enraged and swearing at the lights, etc.., taking the lights off and redoing them once or twice, yelling because everything wasn't absolutely perfect, and in general just making things miserable. so, they learned to just back off and get out of my way. I really wanted and needed their help, but they didn't care if there were too many blue ornaments together, or if there was a cluster of green lights together, or if one of the branch tips needed to be tilted a little to the left, etc.... and I would try try try to overlook those things but they would eat away at me.

I know - I am a perfectionist as well. But my husband would never help. He would set up the real tree and then leave - even when we were first married and I wasn't such a perfectionist. My older daughter is very laid back about EVERYTHING - so she expends as little energy as possible. My younger daughter is full of energy and will help with boxes and moving things around - but she is very impatient and likes things to move FAST. Decorating is a little too slow for her.

[steph535]

I imagine traditional tree....hmmm. It has to be big, huge:elf3: Unfortunately in the first house we lived we didn't have space for huge tree but I was happy with the one we had. I tried to make it look nice. Then when we move to another house and with time we bought (actually last year) new tree. litlle bit bigger and it looks the way I picture ideal tree. I love all kinds of ornaments speciallly in red or golden but I also like wooden ornaments or crystal.Over the years I started to put real pinecones which make my tree looks much natural:tree1:

that sounds beautiful, *snowflake* and I love the idea of the real pinecones

[steph535]

steph, I regret the lack of decorating I did one year when we went away, and I still cherish photos of our decorations that I put up another time that we went to visit relatives at Christmas.

thanks, Merry. I really appreciate your input

[ornamentmaven]

When I was first married, we would spend time with our families at Christmas - neither lived close enough for a day trip so we would always spend a few days around Christmas away from home. I would still decorate my house completely because to me Christmas is a season from late November to early January and I didn't want to miss out on that festive feeling!

[steph535]

When I was first married, we would spend time with our families at Christmas - neither lived close enough for a day trip so we would always spend a few days around Christmas away from home. I would still decorate my house completely because to me Christmas is a season from late November to early January and I didn't want to miss out on that festive feeling!

things have changed so many times over the years for our family; growing up, we stayed home (one set of grandparents would come for breakfast when I was very young, but not after they moved to colorado when I was 9, other set would pop in for maybe a couple hours) , mom did everything, after I got married, we Christmas was still at mom's. (no cousins or anything, just us) then, at least 20 years ago, after my oldest brother had bought a nice little home with about 8 acres in a small town further away, and later my mom moved in with him, we started going there for Christmas. it was not really far, but we would go there and stay for Christmas vacation (when the kids had school off) and my sister, my mom, and I would make the dinner. I remember my brother's favorite Christmas tree was a white pine, and one year he and my other brother found one very late one night, just lying on the edge of the road, like someone had cut it down and just left it there, so they brought home a fresh tree for free that year. (it was beautiful but so different from what I was used to, as my parents had always got balsams) anyway, after we moved to Florida, we started going to my best friend's (we have no family down here) but a couple times, it was just us three at home, and a few times of being able to go to my sister's in Ohio. My sister's seems to be the central location now because she has the most room, even though usually it is just her immediate family. (except now my mother lives with her)

With Thanksgiving falling so late this year (November 28), are you going to wait til then or after to put up a tree?

[ornamentmaven]

things have changed so many times over the years for our family; growing up, we stayed home (one set of grandparents would come for breakfast when I was very young, but not after they moved to colorado when I was 9, other set would pop in for maybe a couple hours) , mom did everything, after I got married, we Christmas was still at mom's. (no cousins or anything, just us) then, at least 20 years ago, after my oldest brother had bought a nice little home with about 8 acres in a small town further away, and later my mom moved in with him, we started going there for Christmas. it was not really far, but we would go there and stay for Christmas vacation (when the kids had school off) and my sister, my mom, and I would make the dinner. I remember my brother's favorite Christmas tree was a white pine, and one year he and my other brother found one very late one night, just lying on the edge of the road, like someone had cut it down and just left it there, so they brought home a fresh tree for free that year. (it was beautiful but so different from what I was used to, as my parents had always got balsams) anyway, after we moved to Florida, we started going to my best friend's (we have no family down here) but a couple times, it was just us three at home, and a few times of being able to go to my sister's in Ohio. My sister's seems to be the central location now because she has the most room, even though usually it is just her immediate family. (except now my mother lives with her)

With Thanksgiving falling so late this year (November 28), are you going to wait til then or after to put up a tree?

I know. I'm frustrated that Thanksgiving is late this year. I also am going away on a two day Christmas trip on December 3rd and 4th with a friend. I always host a big family dinner on Thanksgiving and I like to keep the decor autumny. So I have 4 days to get it all done - Nov. 29 and 30th and Dec. 1 and 2. I will probably be so exhausted that I sleep thru my whole trip! AND, my sister and family, who live in Seattle are coming for Christmas for the first time in MANY years - so I want everthing to look great! No stress!

[steph535]

I know. I'm frustrated that Thanksgiving is late this year. I also am going away on a two day Christmas trip on December 3rd and 4th with a friend. I always host a big family dinner on Thanksgiving and I like to keep the decor autumny. So I have 4 days to get it all done - Nov. 29 and 30th and Dec. 1 and 2. I will probably be so exhausted that I sleep thru my whole trip! AND, my sister and family, who live in Seattle are coming for Christmas for the first time in MANY years - so I want everthing to look great! No stress!

ugh, I had meant to ask if you were going to wait til Thanksgiving to put up the tree, as usual, or will you put it up SOONER. lol how nice that you sister and family are coming this year!

[AllIwantforChristmasisU]

The perfect tree? Real, of course, and full. Very subtle lights (my favorite has been white and blue so far), gorgeous ornaments....

but in real life: My husband is allergic to real trees so we have a huge "fake" tree, I have used the white and blue and loved it. My ornaments are old, but very loved. My family has a tradition, since I was young (5 maybe?) that we buy ornaments every year. As we got older we started drawing names and buying an ornament for that person. 20 years later my tree is full of very special ornaments. I wouldn't change it for the world!

[ChantelleJoy]

I know it might be a bit tacky, but this is always how our Christmas Tree looked when I was a kid: (Although I got this photo online, not an actual photo of any tree we had)

http://www.simplertimesignsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/vintage_Christmas_tree.jpg

[ornamentmaven]

I know it might be a bit tacky, but this is always how our Christmas Tree looked when I was a kid: (Although I got this photo online, not an actual photo of any tree we had)

http://www.simplertimesignsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/vintage_Christmas_tree.jpg

Mine too ,- except we didn't have the garland - large lights

[steph535]

The perfect tree? Real, of course, and full. Very subtle lights (my favorite has been white and blue so far), gorgeous ornaments....

but in real life: My husband is allergic to real trees so we have a huge "fake" tree, I have used the white and blue and loved it. My ornaments are old, but very loved. My family has a tradition, since I was young (5 maybe?) that we buy ornaments every year. As we got older we started drawing names and buying an ornament for that person. 20 years later my tree is full of very special ornaments. I wouldn't change it for the world!

your tree sounds gorgeous! if you can post pics after you get it put up and decorated, I would love to see it.

[Papa_Christmas]

As far as Turkey Day goes the dining room will be decked in fall theme and the rest of the house will hopefully be ready for Christmas.:fall::christmastree:

As to the tree any tree is a good tree any tree with a train under it is a really good tree.:elf3:

[AllIwantforChristmasisU]

your tree sounds gorgeous! if you can post pics after you get it put up and decorated, I would love to see it.

I will! I usually put it up before Thanksgiving, haha! I am debating on where to put it this year. We just moved into this house last year so I kind of put the tree wherever (we moved in during November). We have a huge window in our living room and I want to put it there...I just need to think of some rearranging. Maybe I could post a pic of my living room and get some help?

[ChantelleJoy]

I will! I usually put it up before Thanksgiving, haha! I am debating on where to put it this year. We just moved into this house last year so I kind of put the tree wherever (we moved in during November). We have a huge window in our living room and I want to put it there...I just need to think of some rearranging. Maybe I could post a pic of my living room and get some help?


Of course we'd be happy to give advice.
We're having issues with uploading pictures to the forum right now, but if you upload a photo to imgur.com (http://www.imgur.com) and post the URL - it's a temporary work-around.

Start your own thread in Christmas Decorations (http://www.allthingschristmas.com/forum/forums/7-Christmas-Decorations) when you do! :)

[ornamentmaven]

Of course we'd be happy to give advice.
We're having issues with uploading pictures to the forum right now, but if you upload a photo to imgur.com (http://www.imgur.com) and post the URL - it's a temporary work-around.

Start your own thread in Christmas Decorations (http://www.allthingschristmas.com/forum/forums/7-Christmas-Decorations) when you do! :)

That's what I've been doing lately with photos and seems to be working well.

[MinnesotaMike]

The big thing for me is the size of the tree. I know in Europe there are many countries that typically use tabletop size trees. I just LOVE a full-size, floor to ceiling tree that becomes the unrivaled focal point of the living room. I prefer long needles to short needles. I love a variety of lights (both size and color). The pictures above are very beautiful, classic trees, and I love them. Ours is never quite that fancy though. Also, I must have a star on top that lights up.

Two years later, and I still feel the same. I love the variety of everyone's traditions!!

[MinnesotaMike]

Of course we'd be happy to give advice.
We're having issues with uploading pictures to the forum right now, but if you upload a photo to imgur.com (http://www.imgur.com) and post the URL - it's a temporary work-around.

Start your own thread in Christmas Decorations (http://www.allthingschristmas.com/forum/forums/7-Christmas-Decorations) when you do! :)

Will photobucket work?

[ChantelleJoy]

Will photobucket work?

Absolutely, it certanly should!
Any photo-hosting service!

[Merry Christmas Darling]

The ornaments in this book remind me of a traditional tree:

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/DiademRose/Vintage%20Books%20and%20Magazines/ChristmasBooksixties_zps38a48274.jpg (http://s774.photobucket.com/user/DiademRose/media/Vintage%20Books%20and%20Magazines/ChristmasBooksixties_zps38a48274.jpg.html)

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/DiademRose/Vintage%20Books%20and%20Magazines/ChristmasBookornamentslookGerman_zps55a5da79.jpg (http://s774.photobucket.com/user/DiademRose/media/Vintage%20Books%20and%20Magazines/ChristmasBookornamentslookGerman_zps55a5da79.jpg.h tml) These look like German ornaments.

The C-7 lights are missing though.

[Merry Christmas Darling]

Is Santa stealing our tree? http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/DiademRose/Smiley%20Images/SmileyEek_zps826b7b46.jpg (http://s774.photobucket.com/user/DiademRose/media/Smiley%20Images/SmileyEek_zps826b7b46.jpg.html)


http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/DiademRose/Vintage%20Books%20and%20Magazines/ChristmasBookeBay_zpsf9cbfff7.jpg (http://s774.photobucket.com/user/DiademRose/media/Vintage%20Books%20and%20Magazines/ChristmasBookeBay_zpsf9cbfff7.jpg.html)

[steph535]

Is Santa stealing our tree? http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/DiademRose/Smiley%20Images/SmileyEek_zps826b7b46.jpg (http://s774.photobucket.com/user/DiademRose/media/Smiley%20Images/SmileyEek_zps826b7b46.jpg.html)


http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/DiademRose/Vintage%20Books%20and%20Magazines/ChristmasBookeBay_zpsf9cbfff7.jpg (http://s774.photobucket.com/user/DiademRose/media/Vintage%20Books%20and%20Magazines/ChristmasBookeBay_zpsf9cbfff7.jpg.html)

lolol, Merry! (er...um.. I kinda think he might actually be bringing the tree ??)

[ornamentmaven]

i wish I had room for another tree. i would do one with all of my old glass ornaments. mine from the 1970s and my mother-in -law's from the early 1950's

[steph535]

i wish I had room for another tree. i would do one with all of my old glass ornaments. mine from the 1970s and my mother-in -law's from the early 1950's

oh, now that would be gorgeous, OM!!

[Merry Christmas Darling]

oh, now that would be gorgeous, OM!!

Ditto!

[Merry Christmas Darling]

lolol, Merry! (er...um.. I kinda think he might actually be bringing the tree ??)

Large chimney, eh? LOL

[steph535]

Large chimney, eh? LOL

now, Merry, we all know Santa does not need a large chimney, for himself or anything he brings with him. :xmaswink:

[polrwht07]

For me the perfect tree has to be a real tree. Not that the fake ones don't have their place. I know some folks prefer the "no mess" type. For me though, there is no substitute for the smell and appearance a real Christmas tree. We do white lights with Teal and Purple ribbon (my wife prefers girly colors and I aim to please) as far as decorations go, we have a wide range. Silver/purple/teal colored ones. We also have decorations reflecting on the various sports teams I'm a fan of (go buckeyes!) and Star Wars of course!

[ChantelleJoy]

For me the perfect tree has to be a real tree. Not that the fake ones don't have their place. I know some folks prefer the "no mess" type. For me though, there is no substitute for the smell and appearance a real Christmas tree. We do white lights with Teal and Purple ribbon (my wife prefers girly colors and I aim to please) as far as decorations go, we have a wide range. Silver/purple/teal colored ones. We also have decorations reflecting on the various sports teams I'm a fan of (go buckeyes!) and Star Wars of course!

You'd really love CrazyMike's Star Wars Tree!

[Merry Christmas Darling]

For me the perfect tree has to be a real tree. Not that the fake ones don't have their place. I know some folks prefer the "no mess" type. For me though, there is no substitute for the smell and appearance a real Christmas tree. We do white lights with Teal and Purple ribbon (my wife prefers girly colors and I aim to please) as far as decorations go, we have a wide range. Silver/purple/teal colored ones. We also have decorations reflecting on the various sports teams I'm a fan of (go buckeyes!) and Star Wars of course!

IOW, you two go for non-traditional. How would you describe a traditional tree?