The Kid Tree

Every year I sigh as I put this tree up - I would really love to get a pre-lit tree with smaller branches...

It's the home for all of the kid's "firsts" ornaments and others that are very sentimental.  Each year they get a new ornament - some years they all 4 match, other years I pick an ornament that's unique to that kid.

 

   

Most of Firstborn's were put in a decorative tin last year 

with a special note from me.
(But I might include him this year; haven't found the perfect ornament yet!)

Someday he will use them at his own home and remember 

so many happy Christmases as a child! 

The House of Hatten tree topper is treasure I bought when the first two

were little and we were so broke.
(OMG I saw one on eBay for $75!)

This year I made a tree skirt that looks like a Santa hat (:

 The lights are on a timer so they come on in the evening.  I almost like it better without them.

  My friend Deb admired it and says it looks "retro".  And I guess she's right - there is a vintage quality to it and lots of sentiment...like I said, it's a love/hate thing!