Here we are at Week 51 of Zoom In, Zoom Out. I was happy to see that Helena’s planning to host another photography meme for 2015. This one will be a little looser, and I’m trying to decide if I want to limit myself to one specific kind of photo, or just post a pair each week. I have another two weeks to think about it.
Last year, we broke a 40+ year tradition and bought an artificial tree. I never thought I could do that, but in reality it’s the only thing that makes sense since we leave right after Christmas to drive to Chicago to celebrate there. Having to dismantle the Christmas decorations in just a day is more than I want to contemplate after hosting Christmas dinner the night before. I have to admit, I love this tree. The Zoom Out photo had little white spots when I uploaded it, and it took me a minute to realize they’re reflections of the lights. What you can’t see in the photo, are the subtle twinkling lights that came with the tree. Unless you really look, you’re not aware of them, but they add a touch of festivity to the tree.
Our tree is covered with ornaments we’ve collected from our travels and many that have been gifts over the years. The large one here came from the Biltmore Estate a year ago October.
Thanks to Tracy’s help, our Christmas cookies are baked. We still need to frost the sugar cookies, and I have one more batch of candy to make and then we can assemble the cookie plates to be delivered this weekend. Aside from a couple gift card holders to make, the only big job left is wrapping presents. It’s something I enjoy doing so I’m feeling more prepared than usual. Hope your preparations are going well.
gorgeous tree…and I love the wood panel walls and the peek at the fireplace too!
a lovely tree and I can imagine it shimmering. I have one batch of cooked gifts to make and then I’m done, feeling relaxed and ready!
The tree looks wonderful. Wrapping presents is my least favourite thing about christmas!!
It’s a beautiful tree!
I’m going to do a little more wrapping today. It’s the last day of school. TTO is home tomorrow. I’m nearly ready!
Your tree is absolutely gorgeous. My gifts are all wrapped, but I still need to go back and add ribbons and gift tags.
What a beautiful tree Karen! We’ve always had an artificial tree because we’ve almost always left the day after Christmas for our anniversary trip. The past few years we haven’t gotten to travel as much during that time, but we enjoy the several trees we put up each year and have so much FUN decorating them with the ornaments we collect on our travels as well!
Merry Christmas Karen!
I’ve just enjoyed reading all your posts from the past month, and your family seems to be happy and healthy; thriving and blessed. Congratulations on the newest addition – just precious.
We got our first artificial tree the year that Paul was sick, and we used it again last year and this. It’s just so much easier! We still go to the tree farm, so we get the best of both worlds.
My photo cards have arrived, and my home made cards are complete; I just need to start addressing.
We’re not doing much in the way of gift shopping this year (Clara’s getting a puppy; Henry’s getting tickets to the Rose Bowl; and the relatives all want gift cards), and, frankly, I’m happy about that. Sometimes the gift thing just seems a bit forced.
Clara finally finished finals today; Henry is home from school.
Right now I am content that we are all together, relaxing and ready to enjoy some down time.
Hugs to you,
Rinda
Beautiful tree – glad you are getting to share the holidays with family. Those cookie plates sound good, I’m planning a little bit of baking but not too much.
Beautiful tree, and I love the closeup, too.
Happy Holidays!
Comments are closed.