A back-to-basics Christmas

For various reasons -- none of them probably quite good enough -- we decided to forego a Christmas tree this year. I own a stocking hanger stand which accomodates multiple stockings, and even has a cute little star on top. We placed it atop an occasional table, hung the stockings on it, and turned out a pretty little "stocking tree." With the addition of a few favorite ornaments (mostly cardinals, my favorite!) and all the gifts stacked around it, the purpose is served nicely...and it's actually quite pretty. Even the grandchildren like our inventive "Christmas corner."





Our Stocking Tree.
Note Obie's bow on the clock... :)

My 14-year-old grandson had fun helping put it all together, and even claimed a couple of my ornaments that he remembers always being on my tree. "These are mine when I turn 18, Nanny. OK?" Well, of course it's OK! I love knowing we've made memories Blake will take with him into adulthood and carry on with his own family.



Obie, my youngest, will be 31 next month (Ugh. That makes me...well, not a spring chicken!). He's living with us temporarily, and helped a LOT getting everything decorated. We strung the Christmas cards on ribbon ropes over the fireplace and found fun places to hang a few more ornaments that I couldn't bear to leave packed away just because we didn't have a tree. I discovered some beautiful Christmas-themed ribbon stashed away in a box jumbled with a variety of holiday things, and Obie twisted it into a pretty spiral that now graces the arch between kitchen and living room, as well as the soffit over the kitchen sink. He even watched a YouTube video and learned how to make lovely bows with the ribbon -- yet another benefit of our DIY Christmas. :)



I sat in my recliner last night and looked around at our inexpensive, from-the-heart Christmas decor...and smiled, because it made me happy. It certainly won't win any Good Housekeeping awards, but we did it together, with a lot of laughter and fun and genuine Christmas spirit.



A lot of LOVE.



Jesus Himself is love...and He is the reason for the season. So, when you think about it, I guess we're doing Christmas just right in 2012. :)



Merry Christmas to all...and to all a bright, happy, and successful New Year!