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.
Your home looks so warm and inviting. I love your whimsical branch. Our tree is totally fake but very few people here bother with a living tree. It is too expensive and pine trees are not exactly easy to come by on this little rock.
That brought up happy tears. Thank you so much Jackie.
Bisous,
H
Well, I think your sapin de noël photographed beautifully! And it's so chic and pretty — I love it! Happy holidays, Heather!
Heather, Once again a post that touches the souls of your readers – your photos and words are such a warm welcoming combination – a welcome mat to your world. We've been so surrounded by Christmas in the Southwest that I'd almost decided upon our return home (hopefully later today if the snowy roads don't keep us in mid-route) that I would go out and buy a big tree for the first time in ages. You've convinced me to search my yard for a branch and send what I would have spent to charity. Seems much more in the warmth of the Christmas spirit! Thanks
I LOVE chez vous! I really admire your style and your chic take on Christmas decorations (especially the tree!). Well done, you.
I find that Christmas trees here in general are a bit overpriced. We have a little Charlie Brown tree that was more expensive than it should have been. I guess one time a year is okay but I'd like to explore other options next year.
Happy Holidays! We're 9 days away….wow.
Oh….silly me…I forgot to add the link. Go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p33FrtYPZbg
Hey, Miss Heather….you and your readers need to hear this. "Years", by Beth Nielson Chapman.
Do, please, close your tiny eyes and ignore the Thomas Kincaid (what?!) graphics. For some reason or another that I've never been able to quite parse-out, Beth is quite beloved by Evangelical Christians (of a very recognizable stripe) in America. All I have to say is their dollars are as green as anyone else's, and I'm awfully glad to see how successful she's become. I just wish these folks would let Thomas Kincaid (and half-ass, cloyingly awful graphics) GO……
I also wish (please, Santa?….) that photographers would simply give up on trying to make her look somehow glamorous. It's simply not necessary….anymore than it was with Jennifer Warnes twenty years ago.
The song is utterly lovely, as is most of what she writes and sings. I think you'll particularly love it, given your recent trip back home.
—Adivsedly yours as ever,
Uncle David
http://www.davidterryart.com
Heather, I needed this glimpse into peaceful Arles today. Your white and sparkly decorations are just beautiful.
LOVE your Christmas decorations AND your apartment. Loaded with charm….
Heather,
Your Christmas branch is wonderful!! Love the simplicity of your decoration and as me I can see that you love white candles!! I always love to see a glimpse of your home that looks so inviting!
Happy weekend!
xx
Greet