Oh Christmas Trees - - - - - - -

This year we've not purchased a live tree. We're really lacking space and 

expecting a lot of company at one time, this means nobody can move with 

a drink/plate of Christmas nibbles in hand without perhaps tripping over 

something - a tree would be hazardous!

Instead the very lovely symbol of Christmas will shine in other ways 

around the cottage.

You may recall this little metal tree - vintage perhaps, not certain though, 
could be repro - found at SuzAnna's Antiques a couple of years ago. 
I've used it here before and also in the living room. With the addition of those
 popular very tiny LED battery operated lights, it looks pretty at night.

I use it mostly to display my collection of bird ornaments and crystals.

I've also added a few mementos from last June's trip to the Baltic States and 

St. Petersburg, Russia - the Swedish Dala horses and the Russian icon.

In the living room is "Bob's Tree". A ceramic musical tree lit with glass birds, 
made especially for Bob by one of his co-workers many, many years ago. 
I thought she was most generous to do this for him, it's beautifully painted, 
and plays 'Frosty the Snowman'  . . . . . .and Christmas just wouldn't be 
Christmas for hubby without 'his tree'.

My new 'tree' purchase this year.  I saw this old door, 

complete with vintage hinges and lock, and beautifully painted by Emily, 
whose mom Susie and sis Jenny, are the owners of fabulous 
SuzAnna's Antiques.
I think this is a perfect WELCOME sign at the cottage entrance.

Every year the screened gazebo gets decorated with a faux tree. 

We can view it from our kitchen and living room windows and not worry 

about it getting in the way inside the cottage. It can stay up through the 

long cold winter nights, shielded from the winds, safe from visiting wildlife. 

Sometimes I remove the ornaments after Christmas and leave it up longer 

with just lights. It looks so beautiful if we have a snowfall - something I'll be 
looking forward to perhaps in January when people are not facing so
much travel.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, thy leaves are so unchanging - - - - - - - 

O Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas tree, such pleasure do you bring me.

(O Tannebaum - traditional German Christmas song)