Family tree decorations

These are our ‘family’ tree decorations. When our first son, David, was born, Jo and I bought him his own Christmas tree decoration. He didn’t live to see his second Christmas but every Christmas since then we have made a special point of putting his decoration on the tree together.

Once Richard was old enough to appreciate it we gave him his own decoration and also chose one for each of us that would be our special ones. The three of us would put ours and David’s on together. Usually at the end of the tree decorating process which Richard used to do with me when he was younger.

Then we have one each for Bryony and Helen, Mum and Dad and GB (who were with us for Christmas each year for many years). Mum and Dad have since died but we continue to put theirs on each year as part of the last few decorations to be added to the tree. GB’s also goes on though he is miles away in New Zealand and is enjoying Christmas in the summer sun. Now that Bryony and Helen have partners they too have their own decorations.

Tree decorations

Some of my favourite tree decorations -



















Tomorrow I shall show you our ‘family’ tree decorations and explain why they are special.

How to dress a Christmas Tree

How to dress a Christmas Tree. At least, how I did ours today! (Before you start you must read Geranium Cat's comment below!!!!)


Stand upright on a plastic Christmas tablecloth (to catch any falling needles and genrally add to the Christmassy feel). Unwrap it and make sure it is going to be secure and not topple over when it has ornaments on it. If necessary tie it to a wall.


Firstly put the tinsel and lights on it. That way you can get them evenly spread without the distraction of decorations (and of decorations falling off!).


Then add the decoration for the top of the tree – that saves knocking half the others off when reaching up to put it on.


Add decorations.


Keep adding decorations.


Add more decorations...


Wait for night-time.


And finally put some presents underneath it.


Job done.

Tomorrow I shall show you some of my favourite decorations.

Prince the Reindeer

I have started to put the decorations up but Prince the Reindeer doesn’t need to be hunted out from a box in the loft like the others. Prince lives on the window ledge all year round!



Jo and I went and bought the Christmas tree yesterday morning.


It’s standing in the corner of the conservatory, still wrapped in its net, awaiting my having the energy to decorate it later today...


I wonder how many man hours per year are spent trying to make last year’s Christmas tree lights work before finally giving up and going out to buy some more?