This year, we decided not to put up a Christmas tree. This decision has been coming for a long time. And I want to state clearly that it is NOT because I/we think Christmas trees are evil or anything like that.
For me, I have a very selfish reason why I don’t fancy having a Christmas tree up ever again. I hate clutter. So you might be wondering why I consider a Christmas tree clutter. It really isn’t. But my mind feels that way about it. Another thing to pick up after and freshen up, and then take down again. You also might think that my house is clutter-free; guess again! Ironically, at this stage in my life, I have more clutter than ever! I am very tired and very busy and don’t keep up with it well enough.
Now that I’ve disparaged Christmas trees, let me surprise you by sharing a kind of Christmas tree I can embrace: a living tree. Every year, my sister-in-law sends us a living bouquet to celebrate Christmas, our anniversary (the 28th) and both Jeff’s and my birthdays (his is the 4th, mine the 8th). This year, she sent us a lovely ‘living’ Christmas tree which we can replant outside, where it will grow to 10 feet tall. I think ours is a juniper, but I could only find this picture of a cypress at 1-800-flowers. Isn’t it lovely? The fun part is that it also came with a strand of lights and some ornaments, which the kids enjoyed putting on. And its low profile suits me perfectly!
Tomorrow I have *got* to find time to declutter the house. I have piles all over the place. Anybody else a pile maker like me? Just here by the computer I have three piles. In the kitchen I have two piles. I have another huge pile on top of my household notebook and financial binder. Then in my room, another pile. In the bathroom, well… you get the idea.
Our Christmas is going to be about the simplest ever. The kids picked out their Christmas presents. They all wanted a useful multi-tool, so we ordered them each a Leatherman Surge multi-tool off of eBay. They arrived the other day. The kids wanted to use them as soon as they came and we said yes. We also ordered some plant walk and survival DVDS from GrannysStore.com. They have been fun to watch. We’re into that genre lately. Have you seen Survivorman or Man v. Wild? We’ve been borrowing those from Netflix and have become big fans of Bear Grylls and Les Stroud.
We have been kind-of-sporadically reading Jotham’s Journey. I am sure we won’t finish by Christmas, as we are far behind. 
I feel badly that its conclusion won’t coincide with Christmas Day. But we’ll do the best we can. Jeff’s mom gave us this book to read during the Christmas season (thank you, Judy!). I’m thankful she gave it to us because I have been hearing about this book and wanted for us to read it. Even if we’re late. 
What are your Christmas plans? Do you like to go all-out or low-key?
We’re pretty moderate. I know what you mean about the clutter. While I love having the Christmas tree up, I always breathe a sigh of relief when it comes down. The room just feels cleaner, somehow. And I am definitely a pile-the-clutter kind of girl…
We were supposed to visit my parents in Idaho for Christmas, but due to the weather it doesn’t look as though that will happen. So it will be pretty low-key this year.
Hello Dear Wardeh. I like your way of thinking.
I like simplicity. If I could find a way to give or sell about a fourth of our belongings, I would do so. I plan on selling more at yard sales this coming Spring. About three years ago we bought a big fake tree. We left it up for over a year in the cold back room that is not used but for storage. We sold it at our last yard sale, this past spring. Too big. Too bulky. My ideal would be to have two sides of my house surrounded by woods, and have evergreens as part of that. For inside, we found a “Charlie Brown Christmas tree” at Wal-Mart the other day when my husband gave us some money for food. I was able to get it for very cheap, so did so. My girlies were very excited about this table top tree that stands barely three feet tall. We kept a short strand of lights and put those on it with a few small ornaments. We like it. Because large trees mean a lot of work for me, which can equal stress. I do not like clutter. And, honestly since we live in a small house, a small tree suits us well, anyway. I don’t care for big and fancy anything in my home. I want only what is useful, really.
Plans for Christmas? You know, we really don’t have any. I am hoping to see all four children and get a picture that I want to make into a Valentine’s card to send out. Other than that, nothing is planned.
Merry Christmas to you and yours from me and mine! Hugs, Robin
Wardeh — I think God wanted you to have a tree, if for no other reason than for the kids. I was so surprised when Naomi told me that Jenn had sent you a “tree” this year. Jenn had not said anything to me about it and I had not said anything to her about you not having a tree. So, I was blessed, and I think God intervened and brought you a tree that you all can enjoy, inside and out. God does work in mysterious ways!
Enjoy the tree; get rid of the clutter (as I have been doing this week); and have a peaceful Christmas Day. My love is with you all every day, but especially at Christmas. I so enjoyed receiving Haniya’s and Naomi’s cards today. They just did them perfectly. I am so proud of them.
Of course, I pray for you all daily, and I hope you will feel our love on this special day of the year. Christ was born for you, and He loves you so very much.
Merry Christmas, Dear Family.
I know what you mean about the piles mine is mostly my bedroom, ok, it is my bedroom!
By the time I run up and downstaris doing laudnry, then fold it, I HATE putting it away so I set in our room to do the next day, well the next day has laundry of its own and…well…you get the idea….
First I will say I have many piles. We are the SAME. I am trying to clean them up. I think I have been trying to clean them up for many years.
However, Christmas decorations – we are DIFFERENT. I love the tree, the lights, garland and wreaths. They make me so happy! I am sad when it’s time to take them down. We are simple and practical about gifts, however. In fact, my two older ones wanted specific shoes, my middle girl wanted books and my youngest wanted hats, a watch, a football, all from the NFL online store. I gave my friends homemade goodies and pancake mix. I think as long as we all remember the reason for the season and don’t put anything ahead of celebrating the birth of our Saviour, it’s all good! Merry Christmas from the decoration junkie! 
You said that so well, Mary! Perhaps in the new year we can both keep up with our piles better.
Certainly, I am the lowest-key of all regarding Christmas decor. For ours, we have assembled a very large Moravian star (rec’d as a gift this year), and lighted it in the window. It is beautiful, and it summons the three kings who so long ago had hope for the Messiah’s return/arrival. We will allow our artificial tree to remain stored this year (the tree which decorated your wedding reception hall, along with Judy, Jerry and Jennifer’s beautiful talents at decorating for your heavenly wedding that wintry day 11 years ago!)
Our menu will be simple: lentils. But I am now motivated to make a cranberry bread (thanks to you!) I may make a buffalo roast too. Our four children and five grandchildren will not be with us, and so we will bask in the love of those whom we love (you)and we will treasure and be thankful for each one, and the day will remain in quietness.
About the clutter: I may decide, “Oh well!” and go snow-shoeing. Much more fun. As retirees, the clutter will wait for us. It always does! Love, Mom
I think your mom has the best ideas for Christmas! Remember our Saviour’s birth, treasure fond memories, eat food, be thankful for our loved ones and . . . go snow-shoeing!
I love the live tree idea. Loved reading this post and the comments on everyone’s thoughts of celebrating Christmas. Thank you!!
Hi! I’m reading this a bit late…was actually drawn here by the chore chart post. Just wanted to let you know that there are subsequent books to the Jotham’s Journey. We just read the 2nd one this year called Bartholomew’s Passage. We didn’t finish by Christmas, but the kids (3 ages 9, 6, 2) didn’t seem to care. The 2 year old really didn’t participate, but the boys loved it. I think there might be one or two more in this series. Thanks for the chore chart idea.