Instead, I'm taking you on a tour of our Christmas tree. Yup; the mighty tannenbaum.
We decided the tree would go in our apartment (as opposed to the shore house, even though it's our first Christmas at the house) so you'll also get a little peek at "shore house north," if you will.
When we erect a tree we don't mess around.
This one, just about nine feet tall, is one of the smallest we've had (we've downsized). And there's nothing fancy we do to it -- it's strung with multi-color lights, and topped with a vintage sparkly star.
But it's the ornaments that tell the story. I know where each and every one came from, and every year when I open the boxes they are stored in...well, it's like Christmas! A whole slew went missing this year and I panicked. Did I leave them on the street in the migration to the shore house? Bring them to Salvation Army on one of my cleaning benders? Thankfully, they were found safely tucked away in the shore house basement this weekend (we're not use to having a basement and forget that one stores things there).
There's a dizzying number of ornaments.
But I figured I'd share a few.
I love the New York Yankees. L.O.V.E. So my man bought this one for me a few years ago. The little stadium windows light up. Which makes me happy.
I also played basketball...up until a couple of years ago, in fact (and need to start again. That sport whips your behind into shape quicker than you can say, "Pass the cookie."). My mom bought this for me the first year I lived on my own:
In college I was addicted to the TV show Northern Exposure (there could be much worse things to be addicted to in college) so my friend Emily (fellow addict and my first college friend) bought me this moose ornament from Maine.
We're skiers, so there's a few skiing Santas on the tree. Here's one from my mom:
I was born in Staten Island, NY. This is a replica of the ferry you'd take to lower Manhattan if you were a commuter from The Forgotten Borough.
My grandpa was born in Glasgow, Scotland, so here's a tribute to my roots with a bagpipe playing Santa.
Oh, Elvis. The more Elvis, the better. For reals. We think this has something to do with the fact that I "saw" Elvis in concert in Las Vegas while I was in utero. I guess it had a lasting effect on me!
"Jump suit" Elvis was acquired this year on a road trip to Pennsylvania, so he's making his tree debut.
And Army Elvis, a gift from my brother, sings "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Swoon...
...which I'll talk more about in my next post, along with a holiday gift giveaway donated by one of my artsy craftsy friends. The hint is "bling," so if bling's your thing please come back.
And if the holidays are your thing, head back over to the
Hooked on Holiday Houses Tour, or to Cottage Magpie's Virtual Cookie Exchange.
42 comments:
oh my, oh my, oh my, love it, I wish I had a tree like that, it looks lovely...gotta just say my fave is Elvis...haha!
I hope your mum is ok, sending much much love over the oceans and healing vibes
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Laura, I just LOVE your tree! And it's live (sigh... mine has to be artificial because I developed an allergy to live ones!), and look, there's Elvis and all sorts of fun ornaments!
I'm hoping Shorehouse Mom is out of that hospital soon and back to her same fesity self. I'm praying for her. I loved her sweet, smiling face, even though I don't technically know her. But if she raised you, that's proof positive of how wonderful she is.
Much love...
XO,
Sheila... who finally got her tree up and promptly fell down the staircase! Don't ask!
Sorry to hear about Shorehouse Mom! Hope she's on the mend...
That tree is awesome! And I LOVE how the dog is watching the whole thing.
xoh
I do hope your mom is doing better.
I love your tree and the pup watching over it!!
I too pull out each ornament telling the story or where it came from.
Happy Monday! xoxox
Oh, no, I'm so sorry to hear your mom is back in the hospital. A tour of various medical wings may have gotten you points for originality, but I liked seeing your tree in "Shorehouse North." Thanks for playing along despite everything going on in your life right now!
I was a big "Northern Exposure" fan, too, so I love your moose ornament. -Julia :)
Sorry to hear about your Mom. I hope she feeling better soon. Love your photos. Your ornaments are adorable! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful tree and love the Elvis Ornaments!
Sandra Evertson
What a FUN tree!
Your description of the hospital was reminding me of a Scrubs episode... lol.
I hope your mother is ok... keep me posted... I want to hear she off to get her nails and hair done SOON!
Fifi
I'm sorry your mom is back in the hospital! I hope she gets well soon.
Your tree is so cute - the fact that you *saw* Elvis in concert cracked me up. I love your skiing and bagpipe santas, too.
I'll be praying for your mom! Have a great week :)
Big hugs to you!!!
xoxoxooxoxox
Wow, that's a tall tree..., mine at 4 foot is tiny in comparison! Some cute ornaments you've got there too! Have a Merry Christmas and may your Mom be well...
I'm so sorry to hear your mom is back in the hospital. I'll pray for a fast recovery.
Your tree looks beautiful and we have the same taste in trees and musicians ;)
Oh and ... we got the house ....
xoxo,
rue
Thanks for sharing and the history of each ornament.
Our tree is going up this week. I can hardly wait!
Love the tree!
Love your tree it's so pretty!! And you're a fellow quarter Scotch just like me :)
I hope your Mum is feeling better soon and home for Christmas
(((HUGS)))
Liz x
Bwahahahah @ the SI Ferry ornament. Lovin' it girl.
Hope shorehouse mom is doing better soon. I'll be thinking of her. The tree looks fantabu!
YIKES. Laura B. Wrote the above message.
Love the Army Elvis! I'm singin' along right here in California. Tree is lovely.
Hope Mom's on the road to recovery.
I love love love the Elvis ornaments.
I just love seeing all of your ornaments. I rode the Staten Island ferry so many times as a girl with my Grandma to visit a friend who lived there.
Hope your mom is getting better.
Great tree Laura, its fun to see everyone's different ornaments, they always tell a story of our lives don't they? Go Yankees!!
Hi Laura!
I love special ornaments and most of mine have special memories behind them too. Your tree looks lovely! I love your Elvis and the SI ferry!
I hope all will be OK with your Mom and that she'll be home for Christmas. I'll pray for her.
{{{{ Hugs}}}} Pat
I'm sorry to hear about your mother. Gotta love your sense of humor, though. Your tree is awesome. As I say, it's all about the tree. :-)
Is your Mom okay? Hang in there - am sending a big hug and healthy wishes her way. Hoping she's back home soon!
And guess who else played basketball? Moi! I have a basketball ornament from my Mom too :)
Sorry about your mom. :(
I do love your ornaments! So fun!
I love your ornaments and their stories, Laura! I'm the same way, as you saw earlier today. BTW I was also a huge Northern Exposure fan!
I'm sorry to hear about your mother and I hope things get better soon. xoxo
Laura, I'm back again and wanted to say, "Thanks!" :-) How is Shorehouse Mom today? Just checking in to say "We love the folks at the Shorehouse!"
XO,
Sheila... who is NOW eyeing that mighty "shiny object" that happens to be an ostrich! :-) Cute!
Finally!!! I found a blogger close to home!!! I usually and do enjoy reading about good things from ladies who are from the midwest, or the south, so when I stumbled upon your blog, ahhh...it was like coming home. (I am originally from Newark, now living in Beachwood for the past thirty years.) I would love to see photos of the inside of your house, I will browse some more, but I know how lovely those houses are in Ocean Grove, and I look forward to venturing out and about in the spring if you can give a good heads up on any flea markets or antique shops to browse around in. thanks!!
Oh, Laura, your tree is just charming, just like you! Your adorable doggie looks so cute sitting there taking it all in. All your ornaments must have a special meaning. Thank you for coming by to see me & for all your support this year! Merry Christmas!
Wishes for a speedy recovery for your mom. We have so much in common...the Yankees, also born in NY, but a different Island.
♥, Susan
Sending prayers for a quick recovery for your mom!
Love the ornaments... especially the Yankee stadium one. I was born in Manhattan, but lived in the Bronx, so the Yankees are close to my heart.
Best wishes to your mom. I hope she is feeling better soon. I will keep her in my prayers. I LOVE the ornaments and the stories behind them.
Yay for Christmas tree - looks so pretty! Your Elvis ornament is so funny!
Dratted hospitals. :-( I'm praying for your mom and hoping she is outta there and completely well before Christmas rolls around!
Love the ornaments, too. :-)
Oh my goodness...I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Yankees! :o) And I LOVE your stadium ornament...okay...I'm outright jealous. lol
Wishing your mom all the best.
Oh, Laura, how I loved the tree tour! As a Hanukkah girl I have distinct tree envy - and as an Elvis fan, this sent me over the edge.
Not to mention that smoochable pooch. Thanks for the fun tour (and hope Mom is better soon)
I'm thinking of you and Shorehouse Mom. Just wanted to come by and send some love to you today!
XO,
Sheila :-)
Hope your mom is ok and will be up and about for Christmas. Love tall trees. Mine are always fat!!
Precious memories and beautiful little treasures!
I enjoyed reading about your special ornaments and I trust you continue adding new members to your collection!
Blessings - Debbie
I love your Yankees ornament! My son is a big fan!
Sorry to hear about your mom. Hope she improves soon.
Your tree is beautiful!
Such a sweetheart!! Thanks so so much for popping by the blog. You totally made us smile!
Yeah really...how totally unfair. Today's weather was the pits! Stinks!
I'm loving your tree full of happy memories!! So GREAT!
Maybe once we get our act together we can get together!! :)
Here's to a fabbbb 2009!!
Happy Holidays!
your neighbors...Jenny......and Aaron
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