Oh, Christmas Tree

I've never had my own Christmas tree. I've avoided it, actually.

Growing up, we always had a tree, but after graduating from college or even after getting married and having our first baby, I never put one up.

I used to say it was because we would be leaving town for the holidays, so why put it up when we weren't here to enjoy it? But if I'm honest, the real reason why I've avoided it is because I'm intimated by decorating it! There, I said it. That's the truth. Decorating a tree seems daunting to me.

It's funny because I design many weddings and events for my job - and I LOVE doing it! It's one of my favorite parts of my job. So, what's the big deal about the Christmas Tree? I can do this, right?

When we decided to get a tree this year, I did what I normally do when I approach a "design" project - I get inspired! My first stop for inspiration was Colin Cowie's website. Of course, he has fabulous holiday decorating tips (such as, pick a color scheme and carry it all the way through, right down to the wrapping paper you use). His website also had photos of his personal tree and holiday decor in his home (pictured above in the opening image).

After looking at other amazingly decorated trees in design magazines and online sites, I settled on this: I want a pretty tree but more than that, I want our tree to be personal and tell a story; a story about our family and our growth together over the years. The design for our tree would be simple & sweet! And here it is:

A few of my favorite ornaments:

Top left: Joy as a newborn; Top right: me and my older sisters sometime in the 80s!

Bottom left: my newly formed family a year ago. Bottom right: A sweet ornament from my husband's 4th grade teacher.

Here is me and my Christmas JOY in front of our tree!

We actually have 2 trees in our house...

Last year someone in my family gave me a little tree with all Joy ornaments. I really love this little tree. It reminds me of God's goodness to finally answer our prayers over the years to give us our Joy. We put it in her nursery.

I've decided to take a picture of her with it each year... What a difference a year makes!

Here's a great "outtake" photo below when I was trying to catch the perfect shot of Joy by her tree! She was running out a patience with me...

I'm so glad I finally got over my tree intimidation! It's fun and fills our living room with warmth. Now ready for the holidays!