In the Philippines, we had a taller tree, with coordinated decor and accessories from the export overruns we source from the VV Soliven building.
Here in the States, the tree of choice in a perfect world is a fresh one. My Tita Lou had a 15 ft fresh tree with long pine needles last year. And it was grand, decked out with reds and golds and the loveliest pine smell.
Back to reality, we have opted to buy a small 6-ft plastic tree, complete with 1000 lights last year, for $9.99. I scoured dollar stores and craft stores for some close-out decor. Out cute tree is so small, that when our family comes infront for a group picture, you can hardly see the tree!
This year, our tiny tree seems fuller, with more personality, regardless of its size. I get comments from my friends about how cute our tree is, devoid of sophistication, but full of life. "You can almost hear your kids' laughter," said my friend. (That's also because cute tree is also made photogenic by creative angles and slow shutter speed causes the sparkles! Thanks to my friend Rikky A. who taught me how to do this).
Since our theme is whimsical toyland, all the small stuffed toys of my kids went up there. We also got a white elephant present last year of carousel animal decorations that blended nicely with the theme. My kids love carousels! In Salvation Army, I got a bunch of wooden toys for $1. And in an interview I did with a former teacher, she handed me a box full of wooden toys--for free. She was even glad she found them a "good home," she said.
I also gathered my kids' arts and crafts to put on. My favorite is the popsicle frame my youngest and I put together (decked out in beads) in her free preschool class. We put a picture of them in there, and look, it makes one of the best decor in the tree!
The most expensive accessory on this tree is the ice-cube snowman that changes colors for $3.99 but it was worth it as it is the kids' favorite as they remain fascinated with the LED bulb that changes from green, to pink, to orange, to red. . .
It is hard to find a belen here, or a parol. And the Christmas traditions my children will remember will different from mine. We won't be able to join my other relatives in my lola's house and I have lost my chance to attend Simbang Gabi. Here, Christmas Day means brunch and opening the gifts--less stressful than Manila's frenzy of dinners and Christmas parties. Different, a bit lonely, but a chance to catch your breath.
I like grand Christmas trees and I hope we can buy a bigger one, or a fresh one next year. In the meantime, our frugal Christmas tree is just as beautiful to me.
Merry Christmas, everyone! Don't forget the Spirit. . .
