Ooh, the holidays. There is so very, very much that exudes wonderfulness about this time of year and it is a moment to let your creativity spark then shine. But somehow both Remi and I were feeling the itch to do something simpler, more scaled down. Especially for the tree. Remi had been repeating that, “We are talking about a live tree that has grown for years and years, then we cut it down to enjoy it for a few weeks only to throw it into the garbage after. I don’t know…” I listened to him even if my initial reaction had been something akin to shock after having growing up in a family where the bigger the tree the better. Last year, we had brought home one that scraped even our very high yee olde ceilings. But while I was in the States, I thought about it. And no matter what, I had to appreciate that he had that initiative. So when I came back, we set about exploring our other options. Well, after I had declared that, “Alright, we can have a fake tree but only if it is a super fake tree…I want a…” “White one,” Remi finished my phrase as he has a wont to do. “Exactly.”
But now, will someone explain to me why PVC Christmas trees are not only so crazily unfantabulous but also ridiculously expensive? Anything that was even vaguely worth considering was in the 150€ Euro range and folks, we do not have that kind of money to spend on a Christmas tree, most especially as we do not have room to store one for use, year after year, anywhere. We did go take a good looksee though and while in Truffaut, France’s largest garden store chain, Remi picked up a branch that was taller than he is and we joked that it could be an option. It was closing time and he was feeling off with a toothache so we left.
But by the following Wednesday, it was Tree Day. Either I was going to go by myself and pick out a live one from our sweet vendor from years past or not. My Flower Guy had recently reminded me that he only bought trees that were grown responsibly for the purpose, I tried to justify that France is a rare country with a tree surplus but still, I brought up the branch again. We went back to get it that afternoon and yesterday I broke out the Diana Krall Christmas album and went to town.
Just my vintage abandoned chandelier parts, white lights and some sparkly pine cones…
…plus the one ornament that Remi had chosen, akin to a baby bird or an aspiring Muppet.
The result is utterly féerique or fairy-like but even with multiple tries, I admit defeat in photographing it. Sigh. Some things don’t share well.
Tired of not having a real fire, we put a little thought into our candle-lit fireplaces. I had a little click with a memory of the beautiful Sheesh-Mahals in the palaces of Rajasthan so Remi put down some glimmering tile. It is a work in progress…
Just a few pine cones on the lustre…
…plus branches around Marie in the hall and a tiny angel in the alcove.
For the first time ever, I have succumbed to the kitsch of spray snow on the windows! Bah, it made me happy. What I wouldn’t give for the real thing…
And so with our little branch and our wee doodads, we have piffed and poofed up our bit of Christmas happiness for this year. And it has done its magic. As my friend Nancy Kate so charmingly has reminded me in her post at Bread is Pain, it is all about creating then spreading the joy.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!! Try to make sure that you enjoy this season and don’t let it enjoy you!
Just after I hit publish, I read of the terrible shooting in Connecticut. I am horrified and will be sending prayers for peace and strength for this horrific act and that in Portland.
I was waiting for someone to bring up our Buddha. Of course nothing gets past your eagle eye. We are a home of plenty of beliefs, what can I say? And as for the cocooning on the sofa with a book, that is my PRECISE plan for today after the market. That is if I can convince Ben to share it with me. Sigh.
When are we going to see each other again?
Bisous,
H
Merci, Meredith–and thank you for adding me to your blogroll too! Much appreciated!!!
Thank you, Karena! I will stop by later today to get caught up, off to the market with Ben now before they close!
Thank you la belle Contessa! Marie is opposite our front door. She is so beautiful but it is a very, very heavy piece and so we would have to build a bracket metal shelf to support her, something we don't have the space/right to do as renters here. So she makes me happy coming and going.
Bisous,
H
I think the Holiday Buddha is a nice touch. Last year in Canada I made an arrangement with my light up Santa that I bought at Zellers in the 90's. Fun, funky and fabulous! I think your home looks like a lovely place to cocoon for the holidays and eat shortbread, curled up on the sofa with a book.
This is exactly what I needed to read this morning. Thank you for sharing it wonderful, wonderful Amelia. Did you know that Al Green is a Reverend too? My Mom and Leonard went to see him sing last year and said he was absolutely amazing. I know these sentiments are unfortunately too appropriate.
Sending you a warm hug,
H
Most certainly he counts, Deborah. Ben is my Buddy. And your response made me laugh out loud! Much appreciated this morning as I am still reeling from yesterday. I think another great option is to get a pine that you could replant–save that probably wouldn't go over too well in Melbourne. If I could have afforded it I would have bought an olive tree to replant–love that possibility too.
Yes, lets hope for a Peaceful Christmas–wishing you the same!
I will pass them on to him once he wakes up, Sanda! Right now he is curled up next to me on the couch making it hard to type. Our wonderful Goldens…and thank you for the kind compliments too!
Thank you so much, lovely Helen. And yes, I can see how this makes sense on many levels.
Sending you wishes of Christmas Joy to Florida.
xo,
H
Thanks Linda–your home looks beautiful!!! Wow. True, I won't have needles to deal with but something tells me I will be cleaning up glitter (the branches leaves are covered in them) for months to come. I do miss the smell like you do but I think that I am rather sold on the whole fake tree idea. We'll see next year!