A Tale of Twelve Christmas Tree Decorations

"There are angels on the tree?"
"Ah, because we all pray there are really angels watching over us, don't we?"
(Heather Graham, Home in Time for Christmas)

The last time I counted we had eight angels on our Christmas tree, all different and varying in style.
You see, our Christmas tree is an amalgam of many a gift we received through years, family heirlooms and ornaments made by our boys in the nursery and at school.
While I admire other people's themed Christmas trees - fit for a House Beautiful magazine - I would feel robbed if I had to adhere to just one style or colour scheme.

And while many families are tucking into their Christmas meals, just as many are avoiding all the hullaballoo for one reason or another. My younger son is in Italy with his father, they've just sent me photos of their Christmas lunch with the Nonni on Whatsapp.

This is the little Christmas tree at my in-laws'. Eddie brought them two of the ornaments - letters E and S, for himself and Sasha.

I didn't bother with cooking anything remotedly festive today. Sasha wouldn't eat any roast with trimmings anyway, all he wants is his usual sandwiches and snacks. We did open a box of Roses, and have a chocolate Yule log from Waitrose, and that's basically it.
I've been having one cup of tea after another, and snacking on nuts and cheese on crispbreads.

It's quiet at the moment, Sasha is watching Moana on TV, and I'm reading Portrait of a Murderer by Anne Meredith. It's a Christmas crime story from British library crime classics series. It was first published in 1933.

But back to our tree...
I wanted to show you some of my favourite Christmas tree decorations, beginning with a few glass toys left from my own Soviet childhood.
My Mum brought four of the ornaments with her several years ago, and I treasure them. Some of them are as old as I am, i.e. pretty vintage.
This squirrel (and the birdie in the background) winked at me, when I was a child, and my parents decorated our Christmas tree. Only we didn't celebrate Christmas, it was the new year's eve, when people had a big festive bash with family and friends.

As I grew up in the North East of Russia, we used to have very long and cold winters. I remember once the temperature plunging down to minus 53. I think it was only once that cold in my lifetime.
We did go out anyway, all wrapped, with scarves covering most of the face, with only eyes open. We walked across the town to our friends' place to celebrate the new year's eve with them.
When we arrived, our eyelashes had turned white with frost. We were actually OK, and had a fabulous party.

And another decoration from the same period of my life - a festive chili pepper. Why a chili, I don't quite know.

From one babyhood to another: Sasha was born in the States, and we lived in Williamstown, MA, in 2002. It was Sasha's first Christmas, and I remember it fondly. We had most wonderful neighbours, a family with three children.
That year Sasha got two beautiful Christmas tree decorations, including this jolly snowman. The other is the most beautiful hand-painted angel. I've tried to take a photo of it, but due to its shape, couldn't get a clear picture without my own reflection in it.

This pretty angel (and her sister) came to stay with us, when Sasha was a little boy and we lived in Woodstock. Our small apartment was just next door to the newsagent's, owned by a very friendly family. They were warm and welcoming, and Sasha loved checking out the sweets and magazines in their little shop.

Another angel, for another little boy - this angel bell joined us, when Eddie was a tot. It makes a lovely sound.

This angel was made by Eddie in primary school (Reception or year 1?).

Another of his school projects - a Christmas tree, very colourful and jolly.

More hand-made decorations coming … this name tag was made by our friend Jen (one for each boy). We love them.

My late friend Trudy was more than a friend. Her husband David and she were my family, they sort of adopted me, when I was a young student, with my own family left thousands of miles behind. I miss them both so much.
Trudy had some rather romantic notions about me, comparing me to the young Audrey Hepburn (the only similarity I could find is that I was also very slim then, though never as pretty or glamorous). She also used to send me the newspaper and magazine cuttings on the Romanovs, and years later bought me a set of Faberge-style Christmas tree ornaments as a gift. There are six of these baubles in the box, all different in colour and design. They are the Christmas greetings from a dear friend who's been a big part of my life.

We're fans of Frozen. We watched the DVD of Frozen for the first time, when we spent one of Christmases in Italy. It was a difficult time, as Sasha's anxieties started to manifest themselves quite abruptly, and it was a very stressful holiday for us all. Frozen kept me sane in those days.
This Elsa ornament is a reminder that sometimes you feel like running away from it all. Let it go...

I bought this Gisela Graham toy last year, when my Mum and I were browsing the Christmas aisles at Burford garden centre. It was my Mum's choice.

I got this winter figurine several years ago as it reminded me of Russia. Even her clothes look Russian. She could be a character from one of Russian fairy tales, for example, Morozko (Father Frost), which used to be one of my favourite childhood stories and films.

I'm wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

Photo diary: week 50, project 365

What a week it was: for the country on the whole, and for our family. Dashed hopes, stress and disbelief. I also realised that I must be living in a big bubble as on social media, among friends and people I follow, most people did not vote for the party which won.
As the Tories showed very clearly their attitude to people with disabilities, I worry for our son's future. He will be 18 next spring, and the future is bleak.

I understand that my blog readers come from all walks of life, and while I appreciate your views might differ from mine, please allow me to feel sad.

Rather than that, everything around seems to be set on Christmas. My photos reflect that as well.

Last Sunday Eddie finished the last pages of his Tudor project, and in the evening we decorated the Christmas tree. Ours is an artificial one, from John Lewis, which I got for reviewing about five years ago, if not longer than that. I miss the smell of a live tree, so bought a big pine tree branch to put in a vase in the hall.

We don't have a theme or colour scheme for our tree, it's full of memories of the Christmases and new year's eves past, and every toy tells a story. We were hanging toys, and saying This toy is from when Mummy was a baby, This one was bought when Sasha was born, This one is a gift from a friend who's no longer with us... We also have quite a few decorations, which my boys made in the nursery and school, like this clay Christmas tree.

On Monday I spotted people started posting their Top Nine for 2019, and of course, I had to check which images of mine were counted as Top Nine. As every year, I'm slightly miffed with the choices, as they are mostly not what I would consider my personal favourites. I mean, that selfie in a Harry Potter pinny was posted as a joke, why on earth was it deemed worthy of top nine?!

I liked the contrast of the red holly berries against the wet black railing in town.

One of the Christmas tree decorations from my childhood. I look at it, and think of my late Dad, my little brother, Mum decorating the tree with walnuts in silver wrappers... And I want to go back, just for five minutes, and feel the magic again, when everything seemed possible.

The austerity policies brought the closure of many shops in town. Debenhams is closing down next month, and it already looks like a ghost shop, with the naked mannequins.

I managed to dig out one box with Christmas lights in the attic, but cannot find another one, with twinkling lights. As I was trying to take a photo of our Christmas tree, Eddie kept jumping in front of me, laughing his socks off.

We popped into the Game shop today, just to have a look at what new Funko Pop toys they had, and I saw this Lego Friends set. I'm definitely not buying it. Eddie's never watched Friends, and doesn't care much for this set. But I thought it would make a great gift for someone who loves Friends.

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Photo diary: week 51, project 365

Holy moly guacamole, three days and counting... I keep telling myself No need to panic, no need to panic, but I still haven't sorted out all presents.

This Christmas tree bauble is a blast from the past. My Mum bought it when I was a baby, so it's about half a century old. It survived several moves, including a journey from Russia. Mum brought me a few old ornaments a few years ago. It might not be the most beautiful in my collection, but I love it, as it brings back so many lovely memories of decorating the tree with my Mum.
We always had a real tree then. These days our tree is an artificial one.

In the last few weeks Mondays are days when I watch the next episode of Outlander. I take Eddie to school, then get back home to a nice cup of coffee, maybe some chocolates, and a verra handsome Jamie. I was a bit disappointed with the last episode, as Jamie didn't make an appearance at all. Tut tut.

Eddie is the clown of the family, forever trying to make me laugh. He thought that wearing my hat was hilarious. Well, it did make me smile.

On Wednesday Sash went on his respite overnight stay, the last of the year. Eddie and I arranged to meet with a friend in Oxford. While we were waiting outside John Lewis for our friend, Eddie reclined in the lounge space.

I still haven't put the lights on our Christmas tree. I could only find a garland of green lights, but the lovely twinkling lights have disappeared, and are not where I thought they were supposed to be. Looks like gremlins have hidden them.

Last day of school: Eddie's school had a carol service at St Mary's. It was a dark-ish morning, you wouldn't believe it was 11am, looking at that photo.

Today was a bit of a crazy day: I made pancakes for breakfast. We went in town: library, Costa, charity shop (with a couple of bags of clothes and puzzles I prepared), Waitrose.
In the evening all four of us went to the carol service at our local church. Sasha's been showing me the symbol of the church for the last couple of weeks, for some reason he really wanted to go. We agreed that if he gets anxious, my husband would take him home. But he sat through most of the service, which in itself is a miracle.
Eddie and I enjoyed the singing and actually sang our hearts out.

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Photo diary: week 50, project 365

If I was going to describe the last week in two words, it would be messy and difficult. Christmas is just over a week away, and I'm so unprepared.
We started Sash on new meds, as his anxiety has sky-rocketed recently. It's been 2 weeks since he's trying it, and so far I don't see a massive improvement. I've been rejecting the whole idea for a long time. If you read the leaflet which comes with the meds, it makes a very depressing and scary reading. The possible side effects are horrible. And this medication for anxiety and sleeplessness could cause his anxiety and insomnia get even worse. I feel awfully guilty, giving it to him, as it's obviously our decision enforced on him.

Last Sunday a friend brought in a huge tray of vegetables and fruit from the market. He goes to the market at the closing time, and buys a lot of food for a fraction of a price.

On Monday I only did more of boring food snaps, so here is the top nine photos posted on Insta for the last year. Every year my top 9 is a bit of a surprise, as these are not exactly the photos I'd pick myself as my favourites. I don't think I will ever crack the mystery of Insta's likes (not that I've been doing much about it anyway). I find Insta a very fickle field.
You post one photo of something vegetarian/vegan, then there's a flurry of vegans following you. The next day if you post something with cheese or cream, they immediately unfollow you, as if you've committed a crime of the century.
I'm now rather wary of any new followers. Just have a quick look at my feed, before deciding whether you like it or not. Especially those who have about one zillion followers, and follow only 15. I never follow back, as they never-ever stay. I've no idea why do they even bother? It's like a vanity project for them. OK, a rant against smug Instagrammers is over, as it's really a petty non-issue.
It's just a mild irritant.

On Tuesday I went to Oxford with Eddie's school to see Dick Whittington panto at the Playhouse. It was quite amusing, and definitely better than the last year's performance. You are not allowed to take photos during the panto, but I snapped this disco ball during the recess.

On Wednesday Sash was off school with a virus, and I didn't have a chance to take any photos, so here is another photo form the day before - fluffy clouds.

Sasha was better the next day, but still at home.
Every year I buy a couple of Christmas tree decorations. This one is a Gisela Graham ornament. I bought it in the Burford garden centre, when my Mum was staying with us.

On Friday Sasha's stomach bug was back with vengeance, and he had a bad night, poor thing. I took Eddie to school just to get out of the house and clear the head. It was a cold morning. We walked through the flood fields, and every grass blade was frosted over.

Not as frosty today, but raining instead. I need to start wrapping up the gifts for my boys. These two pop-heads are part of a Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts haul I got for Eddie. I know he's just going to love them.

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Our Christmas tree and one enthusiastic boy

"Is it Christmas yet, Mummy?"

Every morning in the last month or so Eddie wakes up with a question if Christmas has arrived. He is particularly concerned about Santa not forgetting to visit him. He is so full of enthusiasm about all the Christmas-related business like doing the cards, Nativity play in the nursery, stories about Jesus, Santa's imminent arrival and of course, our Christmas tree.
Decorating a Christmas tree is one of my top pleasures of the season. I have always loved it, for me it is a pleasure bordering on magic. As my older son is 11 now, he doesn't show much interest in the Christmas paraphernalia. Not Eddie. He is super eager to help and get involved. He was absolutely ecstatic when our John Lewis Vintage Blue Christmas tree arrived in a big box.

It is a tall 7ft tree, which looks very realistic. You know, when you see things online, they might look different in real life, but our tree looks as splendid (if not better) as the image shows. It was easy to assemble - the tree comes in three big pieces plus a stand, you just need to slot all the pieces together in the right order, and adjust the screws on the stand for the tree to be stable. You will also need to adjust the branches and fluff them up (the branches are hinged).

It is really heart-warming to see our tree in its full glory. The tree itself reminds me of the Russian forests. It is a perfect basis for any decorative style. Consider yourself an artist with a white canvas, you can create anything you want with it, and give it either a traditional look or a modern minimalist one.
The branches are made of Polythylene, and look hard wearing.
We usually have a real tree from the garden centre, but I am converted now.

Felt So Good Mini Christmas Wreath (Multi) and Santa Coat tree decorations

Our tree was delivered with a whole packet full of Christmas tree decorations by Felt So Good. They are truly funky, cute and innovative. I love it that they were made in a small cottage in the Himalayas. I told Eddie that they were made in the faraway land, hand-stitched and embroidered, and he was fascinated. He kept asking me if they knew he would receive them. I said, of course, they knew. Very colourful felt toys vary in design. There are mini-wreaths, Santa coat, mini Santa, penguins and squirrels, spotty presents and stockings. Charming and adorable.

Felt So Good Snowflake and Penguin with Red Scarf tree decorations

My very own Elf

We didn't put a conventional star or an angel on the top. We actually do have a few angel decorations on the tree, but there is a flying elephant sitting on the top. It's Eddie's masterpiece, made with love from a recycled milk bottle in the nursery. Eddie was thrilled that his creation is at the very top of the tree.
We also added a string of lights, and they twinkle merrily, adding to the festive spirit.

Last summer, when I knew my Mum was coming to visit us in July, I asked her if she could bring with her a few of my old tree decorations. She carefully wrapped four of them in bubble wrap and carried with her all the way from Russia. I look at them, and travel back into my childhood. When we were kids, my parents would wrap the walnuts in foil and hang them together with the mandarins on the Christmas tree.

Decorations from my childhood, vintage Russian glass ornaments

Eddie has been so proud of his decorating skills that he insisted on having his photo taken next to the tree. He goes around it and repeats every few minutes "What a beautiful Christmas tree!". I imagine all his nursery class will be informed on what a fabulous tree he has at home.

Eddie loved the big box in which the tree was delivered, and has been playing with it for the last few days. One day it is a house, the next it is a boat. We cut out the windows in it, and Eddie painted it with blue gouache. Simple pleasures of life. Boxes are fascinating toys, which appeal to a child's imagination.

It is lovely to walk in the evening in the neighbourhood and see all the twinkling lights and decorations on the Christmas trees in the houses. Some of our neighbours are very particular about the style. One of the ladies always goes for the pristine white look, the other decks the tree with lots of gold.

We are very proud of our beautiful tree and love all our colourful decorations, each toy tells a story and each one is a joy.

Disclosure: we received a Christmas tree from John Lewis and a selection of felt decorations by Felt so Good for the purposes of reviewing. All opinions are mine.

Felt So Good Stocking with Snowman tree decoration

 

Kippas tee (Oh, Christmas tree)

If you come round to our house, Eddie will give you a tour around the Christmas tree, which he calls "Kippas tee". He will show you Santa and an angel, a snowman and a sock (it's a stocking actually, but Eddie calls it a sock). He is very proud of our tree. Last year he was still too young to appreciate it and hardly noticed it, but this time Eddie was actively involved, as we went together to the garden centre to pick our tree, selected a few decorations with him and put the ornaments together.

While I decorated our Christmas tree, I looked at the baubles and figurines and recollected when we bought them and thought of our friends who gave them to us as gifts. Some of these dear friends are not with us anymore.

This lovely angel (below) was purchased in Woodstock, when we lived there and Sasha was still a little boy. We returned last week to Woodstock to have a long walk in the Blenheim park, and I popped into the gift shop where I bought this angel, but alas, they didn't have anything similar this time.

This cute little ceramic bell is one of the latest acquisitions. It is so jolly and bright, very festive and Christmasy.

The little glass drum reminds me very much of the ornaments we had in Russia when I was little. Of course, in those days, it wasn't Christmas that we celebrated, but the New year's eve. I loved everything about that holiday: the tree, decorations, food, party and presents. Seasons were proper seasons, and we would have had a deep snow and a biting frost outside.

When I saw this little girl in the shop, I immediately thought of the Russian fairy tale Morozko.

And of course, we need the three crowns for the three kings.

It actually looks quite garish and cheapish in the day light, but the Christmas tree's lights transform it into a crown sparkling with jewels.

I also used to decorate our trees with Sasha's artwork in the past, but to my dismay, found out that all the salt dough decorations that were made by Sasha and which I kept in a box up in the attic have gone soggy and disintegrated.

Now that you have seen our Christmas tree, what ornaments do you have?