This year while I was having fun downtown with our oldest, Dear did the honors of picking out the mystery tree and bringing it home. He set it up in it’s designated spot this year and waited for me to come home from gallivanting and to cut the string while I watched the reveal. Another stress free tree that will serve our purposes well.
Dear put the lights on and then I added the ornaments.
This will be the room that we discover what things are in our stockings and where we open the gifts from under the tree. This year our immediate family decided to draw names instead of buying gifts for each one. Dear is unemployed and has been unemployed for 6 months now. Our daughter Katie and Andrew are not employed. Andrew is going to school full time in Aeronautical Engineering courses at the University of Washington and Katie hasn’t found a part-time job yet. Dan and Jamie are moving into a new to them house right now. They are financially stretched and with the new baby coming Jamie will be quitting her job and staying home with our new granddaughter. Josh and Laura are still both employed and doing well. We all decided it makes sense to cut down on the gift buying. We will still have a wonderful celebration but with less wrapping paper to deal with.
Hope you are all in the midst of joy and wonder during this great time of the year. If not I hope you find that joy and wonder soon.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Lovely tree. What a good idea with your presents. I think we often overdo the gifts. The best bit is just being together and sharing happy times. B x
Your mystery tree looks like a Douglas Fir, it’s a beauty! My wife and have that this deal for years, I get the tree, put it in the stand, put the lights on and decorate it. She does ALL the shopping…it works! Merry Christmas.
Love the tree & your home so so beautifully decorated!
Wishing you all joy !
Your room looks perfect for curling up in and taking in the wonder! The tree is perfection! Merry Christmas, Ellen!
I like the snow falling in the background, too!
Hello, your tree is beautiful. I love all the decorations. Your home looks lovely. I have cut back on the gift giving since I retired. I wish you and your family a very blessed and Merry Christmas! Happy weekend!
We’ve been drawing names for years among the adults in our family–best decision!
Your tree is beautiful! I am missing having a tree this year to decorate…
Your tree is very pretty.
Looks like you’re all set. A lovely home festive home.
Your tree looks beautiful! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and that all is well in the New Year. xoxoxo
What a beautiful chanting tree! It inspires me to try white lights next year! Lovely decorations as well. Merry Christmas to you and your family!🎄💗
I meant enchanting tree not chanting. Lol
beautiful tree! I hope that jobs will be forthcoming for one and all who need one in the new year. xx
Your home is warm and welcoming and beautiful. Christmas traditions can grow and change through the years, while your core values remain…, not everyone is able to accept that, but I think those who do are happier. Have a wonderful Holiday!
Love the Christmas decor. Your tree turned out lovely and I’m loving the matching plaid stockings!