A nostalgic Christmas tree full of charm in the attic. Going in a little different direction with decking the halls today- the 3rd tree in our series is about a Christmas tree full of memories.
Christmas Memories
When I was little and we would go up to my grandparents home for Thanksgiving, they always had a wee tree set up in the living room already. Which of course, I loved. And might be one of the reasons I have always decorated for Christmas so early. Their tree was small and cute – a perfect size perched on a table in front of their front windows. As we would pull into their long gravel driveway – you could see the tree twinkling away and I just remember the feeling of excitement as we jumped out of the car and ran to the door where they waited for us.
Nostalgic Christmas
Christmas Trees can be dressed in handmade and heirloom ornaments that are more about the memory than glamour. My grandparents tree was always that way. A welcoming and cozy old fashioned kind of Christmas feeling. I can remember standing by the tree and staring at all of the little details in the tiny wooden toy ornaments my grandmother placed on her tree. Little wooden Santas and Angels, rocking horses and tiny houses.
Soldiers, musicians, teddy bears and kids in knit stockings.
I remember feeling like my grandparents tree was a home to all kinds of ‘misfit toys’ just like the ones that Rudolph and Santa were trying to help in Rudolph.
Of course, that is because I watched that show as a child- but I will tell you a secret… I love to watch it even now when I see it pop up- the Bumble is one of my favorites.
When I grew up, I moved to Montana and not long after met my husband and started a family. And my grandmother sent an old fashioned care package through the old school mail. It wasn’t about gift cards back then folks- haha. The box had tins filled with homemade delicious fudge and Christmas cookies, gifts for each of us- & a bag of her misfit toy vintage ornaments for our tree. I remember the smile it brought when I saw them. And we put them up on the tree that year and it was almost like being home for Christmas.
Whimsy & Memories
This tree is dotted with vintage color, details, old ornaments, bottlebrush trees, little houses and even a bit of tinsel garland. I bumped into a couple tiny vintage tinsel garland while looking for something else- and it just fit.
This tree started with finding 3 bags of vintage wooden ornaments at the thrift store. It is far more colorful than my usual trees- but it feels a little like a little warm hug to me.
I almost didn’t photograph it when I first put it together. Since I wasn’t feeling 100% finished and felt it needed a few tweaks but my schedule was squeezed. So, I decided to grab a few photos very quickly before wrapping it up for the day.
When I looked at the photos the next day, I was brought right back to feeling like I was a child staring up at my grandparents tree. This little attic tree next to my childhood dollhouse was a Christmas tree full of memories.
So, I smiled and decided that this tree with misfits and ornaments full of memories would definitely find a home as one of the 12 Trees of Christmas this year. I hope it brings a smile to you too.
Shop the Look
Frosted Fraser Fir | Faux Fur Skirt |Classic Beaded Star Tree Topper | Bottlebrush Trees |
What do you think of this whimsical memory filled attic tree?
Stay tuned for Tree #4 in our 12 Trees series coming your way – and a post all the details on how to create the fireplace village. If you missed that reveal- you can find it HERE
Happy Wednesday all!
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susan says
The attic tree is my absolute favorite. It is the kind of tree we always had & I let the kids decorate it (when they were Tall enough!) I always liked your blog, but even more now. We both come from Law enforcement families.
MaryLisa says
This tree is so nostalgic. I love all the wonderful ornaments that bring memories. I love Christmas and we decorated the tree last weekend….
Courtney says
Thank you MaryLisa- I bet your home is feeling full of warmth & cheer with that tree twinkling away!
Vicki Brawley says
The attic tree full of precious memories and misfit toys is my favorite! I love everything single thIng about it especially the memory and love your grandma sent to you in the care package!❤️
Courtney says
It is such a special memory- and those care packages from my grandma were The Best!
Patti says
Awww…my eyes Are full of joyful tears. BEAUTIFUL reminder of my CHRISTMAS pasts. Thank you!
Marie Casale says
Beautiful tree!
Nancy baumer says
I Remember these ornaMents when we decorated our tree.
The little cardboArd houses dusTed with ARTIFICIAL snow to all the glass and wooden ornaments what a beautifuL tree. Brings back many happy memories. Thank you.
Diane Westbrook says
Oh so lovely! it is just like the trees that I grew up with too…I have a few of the ornaments from our tree at home and …the wonderful glass bead garland off my Grandparents tree…the only thing that I, along with my brother and sister added to our tree was tinsel…those trees bring back such wonderful memories of growing up…and ….the packages from grandma! I remember hand knitted mittens and doll clothes for my dolls…thanks…for…the….memories!
Sylvia Hill says
Beautiful tree! I think this is my favorite. The dollhouse just made it more special.
franki Parde says
It is so dear…how blessed you were to have such grandparents…my children did…& I HOPE my grandkidDos feel the same. Hugs. franki
Shirley @HousepiTality Designs says
gorgeous Courtney!!!
Happy THANKSGIVING! 🦃
Diana says
love this memorable tree Courtney. It is nice to have sparkle and perfectly coordinated trees, but this is just right.Did I say how much I love the attic?
Linda Hovgaard says
Just love it courtney! It’s so perfect with the dollhouse! I also love how you decorated under the tree. Happy Holidays and thank you for your 12 tree series and making our holidays so much brighter!
Ginger Brewer says
Brings tears to my eyes and JOY to my heart to see this treasure tres. Memories and love , that’s Christmas for me. It brings us back to the true meaning of Christmas, jesus birth. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story and tree. Gb
Jillian says
like this very much. This year our dinng room is vintage nostalgia with ornaments from 50 years of collecting and bubble lights. Reds and greens. My favorite out of six trees.
Donna says
I LOVE this tree. It also reminds me of my Grandparents tree. Such great memories
Chere’ Sterk says
Thank you for this wond fun and getting a jump on chrisTmas season! We are trying to recovEr from a devastating flood that just haPpened where we live in WasHington state and i love to read your posts and look at the creative things you come up with. Everytime my heart hurts i just pull up a christmas post and i escape it feels better so Thank you❤️
Michelle says
Hi Courtney!
I know I’m jumping in here late. If you ever reflect back, I just wanted you to know this is my absolute favorite. Captured my heart and made me smile so much that I have tweaked mine to duplicate this. I just love all the detail and land of misfit toys feeling. I have Hummel ornaments too which helps. 😉 I wish my tree was frosted, but feels just fine on the green. Family and childhood memories are feeling more important toe as I grow older than my perfectly decorated formal style. 🤗 Thank you! 💖