The Storytelling Tree

Every year I gaze longingly at beautifully decorated trees in the mall and in magazines, and on social media I see pictures of friends’ trees that perfectly replicate something I saw on Pinterest. Inspired, I trek to the hobby store, convinced that I, too, can re-create something of magnificence, something that will say WOW. only to return empty handed.

When it comes right down to it, I do not want a tree that comes from a hobby store and says WOW.

Our Christmas tree will not win any awards, will not be featured in any kind of home decorating magazine, and can never be replicated on Pinterest. There are no fancy bows or streamers. It is not themed or color coordinated. But on every branch there hangs a story. An invitation to gather ‘round. A journey of life waiting to be shared.

The story of who we are, where we have been, and what we hope for is shared on our tree: the Texas boot tells of my El Paso birthplace; the Wooden Sleigh beckons memories of our first Air Force assignment; the fighter pilot speaks to my husband’s career and love of flying. There are ornaments from our colleges, fraternity, and sorority that recount life before there was an “us.”

The feather angel is so delicate she seems to float. She is the very first ornament my husband and I bought as we celebrated our first Christmas together and the first one we place on our tree each year. We cradle her carefully and remember our first tree in our first home as she takes her place of honor.

Our trees can tell the story of our lives, stories to pass down, to share, to laugh over, to draw us together. Join me over at The Glorious Table for the rest of this conversation and to share your story!

Christmas blessings,

Denise