Disclaimer – This is a sponsored post brought to you by Tree Classics. All opinions are 100% my own.
Remember when the Christmas tree felt like this giant tree that you could practically climb it and the star (or in our case growing up, the angel!) seemed so high that it was actually like a real star in the sky? I can remember looking up at the tree in wonder….thinking that nothing ever seemed so beautiful or so big and that small elves really could live in there if they wanted. I was a weird kid 🙂 But the point is…that feeling is BACK.
This year we received a brand new artificial tree from Tree Classics and at TWELVE FEET TALL…it’s giving me the Christmas spirit in Shaquille O’Neil sized portions. I mean….just look at this beauty!
I’ve been eyeing 12 footers for a while now. This house has really high ceilings so our old Christmas tree (it was a hand me down from my old boss….and they haven’t made that style of tree in like 20 years) seemed pathetically small at times. So when Tree Classics offered to send us a replacement, we were BEGGING for a 12 footer of their Classic Noble Fir. Well…Christmas has arrived people! They sent us our 12 foot tree to review and I am dying to tell you all about it.
Tree Classics also invited us to join their Home for the Holidays – Christmas Housewalk! More on that in a minute!
First I need to tell you all about this tree. It’s freaking amazing.
Okay….so first, let me tell you about these awesome branches…like the whole tree unfolds and it is so FULL. Our old tree was completely hollow in the middle. (there is an old video of it somewhere and if I find it – I will link it!). Our old one was like a hallow sleeve of holiday cheer. Think tall skinny umbrella. Except instead of protective vinyl…it was cheap christmas tree branches that practically fell apart if you touched them. We simply hid the problem with THOUSANDS of lights and so many ornaments, it would make your head spin. The Tree Classics tree is full and so easy to set up. It has hinged branches and you can’t even see to the other side. It actually looks like a real tree. People have been fooled. It’s a Christmas miracle!
The other thing I really love is the Real-Feel needles. They are at the ends of each branch and they are thick and they look and feel really real. I’m also a fan of the fact that if one bulb burns out…the rest will stay lit. That means I won’t be throwing more lights on there because one half of the tree has joined the dark side.
As far as decorations go….this year we went with a classic rustic cottage feel. We used red plaid ribbon and combined it with things we already had in our Christmas stash – red, white and gold ornaments – along with a bunch of cattails for the topper. Also – I have all these grapevine wreaths that I cut straight through on one side and opened it like a giant C clip and ‘clipped’ them into the tree by opening the C and then pushing it directly into the tree before letting go.
See how real those needles look? Crazy good!
This year we also added a wreath above the TV and I love love love it. I used matching ribbon and can totally see this becoming a tradition.
We also have our mantel set up and ready to go. We don’t put any presents out yet because you know…my kids would open them ALL.
We did our traditional mantel….it has our Santa boot christmas trees (with battery operated LED lights) and our stockings and garland. I baby-proofed the stocking holders last year with heavy duty velcro…it stays up all year long and nobody ever noticed! But it’s nice to not worry about the stockings being pulled down. Nobody wants a head injury for Christmas 🙂
And the fun doesn’t stop there….we actually did a whole video on how we put our tree together! It was so fun and honestly, if you have little kids, I highly recommend taking a little video of you guys doing something fun together like assembling your tree. I cried when I watched it back! Every. Time.
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Isn’t that sweet?! I mean…my boys are so exhausting but then sometimes I just slow down a tiny bit and realize how incredibly awesome they really are. It’s such a teary moment for this mama! And that is my version of an ideal Christmas….just enjoying my kiddos and nobody crying. I know bloggers – especially in the home-decor world aren’t supposed to say this….but I don’t really care about our house or our tree. Not when you compare it to the love I have for the boys and Jeremy. I just think that sometimes I let things get in the way….distractions…the ‘wrapping paper and ribbon’ of life if you will….and it distracts from the real gifts. I have this amazing family that are healthy and whole and happy. I guess that is why my heart feels things so deeply….it’s why I ache for people who are experiencing loss or pain at this time of year….or people that are just discontent in general…..I am hurting for them because I know how sweet this life can be. And that sometimes, it is the little things (like a kiddo looking at twinkle lights) that are the best gifts of all. Okay….it’s tissue time again.
Back to the Christmas house walk. Today is my day to tell you all about my Christmas tree…but the good news is, there are nine other bloggers participating and sharing their own version of ideal Christmas and their Christmas trees.
Here is the list of the participants, along with their posting dates:
December 5
- Jennifer Lutz of Tree Classics
- Susan Duane of Love of Home
December 6
- Ann Drake of On Sutton Place
- Katie Bower of Bower Power
December 7
- Janet Coon of Shabyfufu
- Erin Rollins of The Sunny Side Up
December 8
- Shauna Beltramo of The House of Silver Lining
- Heather Thibodeau of Heathered Nest
December 9
- Emily Dinwiddie of Eleven Gables
- Rhoda Vickers of Southern Hospitality
So on those days, you can go check out their blogs and see their trees! It’s gonna be so fun to see so many different decorations and styles! AND – you need to go check out the giveaway for Tree Classics’ 12 Days of Christmas! The link to the Official Contest App is here.
So tell me….what is your ideal Christmas? Eggnog with a peaceful night of classic movies? A full belly and matching jammies? Maybe it’s just no fighting kids and a long night of sleep? (I hear ya! I hear ya!) so whatever it is…I’d love to hear all about it. I think sharing the little things, thinking of our blessings, expressing our gratitude is the very act that makes us grateful and humbles us as humans. And isn’t that the very thing we all want for Christmas? A grateful and humble heart. Merry Christmas y’all!