"Self-sufficiency does not mean 'going back' to the acceptance of a lower standard of living. On the contrary, it is the striving for a higher standard of living, for food that is organically grown and good, for the good life in pleasant surroundings... and for the satisfaction that comes from doing difficult and intricate jobs well and successfully." John Seymour ~ Self Sufficiency 2003

Sunday, 5 December 2021

Christmas tree alternatives

I know everyone will slowly be gearing themselves up for the Christmas Season.

For many years when we were first married and our children were young, we had a traditional live Christmas Tree - complete with real candles and lametta (German tinsel). The number of long, boring years that the poor tree stayed in the same pot - I used to feel sorry for it. When it finally caught the conifer fungus bug and died, I looked for alternative options. 

The first two pics are from Christmas 2016 - looks simple, huh?  Trust me it isn't. Getting those balls to hang in a straight line horizontally wasn't easy - and seriously tried my patience.  

The second two pics are from 2018 - my beloved late husband, Ronnie, made me a Christmas village scene from an old pallet which was then simply decorated with lights and strategically placed candles. It was absolutely stunning. The little nativity scene at the bottom is from when my children were small and was purchased as plain wood items - which I then painted.  

Apart from an Advent Kranz I can't decorate for Christmas anymore. It just isn't the same.  Plus, the grandkids don't come for Christmas - it is just too far to travel, their animals (cat and multiple dogs) are left alone whilst they are away, and the roads are hyper dangerous at that time of year.


But, I do love to see Christmas decorations. Has anyone recycled anything into Christmas decor?

Posted by Dani at 10:29:00
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6 comments:

  1. Unknown6 December 2021 at 06:00

    Hi Danni lovely to be getting your posts again. We had a huge old aloe in our garden and when the flower candelabra dried out on the plant it made a lovely Christmas tree. These days I use a bonsai Jacaranda.

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    1. Dani6 December 2021 at 12:23

      Thank you for your kind words, anonymous.

      Would've loved to see your old aloe Christmas Tree. But, I'm sure a bonsai jacaranda is easier to handle ;)

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  2. africanaussie7 December 2021 at 02:09

    Oh I love that Christmas scene made from old pallets. I have a Christmas pyramid that my daughter sent from Germany, along with my nativity and an advent calendar. Have a wonderfully blessed Christmas, I know how hard it is not seeing family that live far away.

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    1. Dani7 December 2021 at 07:26

      africanaussie - Thank you. Yes, that scene is very dear to my heart as it is the last "project" that Ronnie undertook before he was diagnosed at the end of March the next year.

      Have a blessed Christmas too.

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  3. 1st Man7 December 2021 at 07:39

    What a wonderful tangible memory to have. It's beautiful with the lights and without. I know that's a treasure. And the balls hanging in straight rows I can't even imagine how hard that was. With our cat, that would become a cat toy, ha.

    I know the holidays are hard, but take solace in the season and think of the happy memories from throughout your life.

    Big hugs to you this year!!

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    1. Dani7 December 2021 at 13:07

      1st Man - Thank you. Thankfully, the balls were strung up beyond the reach of our cat. ;)

      I try and focus on the happier times, but as you say, it is an extremely difficult time of year.

      Hugs back at you too :)

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Thank you for taking the time to comment - it makes my day and removes the "loneliness' of sitting at my screen blogging supposedly to myself ;) I try and reply as quickly as possible so please forgive me if sometimes my response is delayed.

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