
Let’s be clear on something: this is NOT a Christmas tree:
Image via Cathy Jubb.
It’s sticks. Just sticks. Some of it used to be a tree, but now it’s sticks. And all over the country, versions of these “Christmas trees” are taking up temporary residence in uber-stylish living rooms, because an actual tree with leaves and tinsel and some personality simply doesn’t work in with our current Scandi-Industrial interiors obsesh.
Seriously, are we really that up ourselves when it comes to styling our interiors that we can’t break focus for five weeks and put up a bloody tree? Today I opened a magazine and read this little gem from a designer:
“I just hang a painting of a tree without decorations in the living room. Then when the children start squealing for a real tree, I say ‘cut out some coloured paper circles and stick them on the painting tree’, which they don’t do, so I end up doing it. It only takes me three minutes.”
Just wow. A painting of a Christmas tree? What are those kids expected to push over during a sugar-fuelled tantrum on December 22, when having to wait another three whole sleeps for Santa, explodes their tiny minds?
“It’s sticks. Just sticks. Some of it used to be a tree, but now it’s sticks.”And we really shouldn’t be surprised they can’t be arsed with the coloured paper circles. There’s zero kiddie fun in standing back to watch Mum up on the replica Eames, sticking pseudo-decorations onto a picture because, you know, it “works in with the rest of the room”. All the while trying to race an egg timer too, by the sounds of it. Festive as.
Surely letting our strict decorating ethos win out over our kids’ “squeals” for a Christmas tree signals that a fundamental part of the festive spirit is wedged halfway down the chimney?
The annual tree decorating session is the very foundation of my childhood Christmas memories. The magic began the moment that long, white box was manoeuvered through the manhole, the duct tape ripped off and our beautiful faux specimen dragged out into the light of day.
Top Comments
I actually really like that wreath. Now to find a steamer insert and an old fascinator...
I have a friend who just throws some baubles in a large clear vase, saves on the tree drama. I have no great affinity for Christmas, but Mr Dragon makes up for it with his fastidious untangling and hanging of lights, just so distribution of tinsel and spacing of decos, while I embroider another themed 'thing' for reasons I can't quite fathom. (I love making xmas stuff, just not so fussed on the occasion itself...)
Well, to add another perspective, it's in the eyes of the creator and the perceiver.
Which means it actually IS a tree / wreath (at least to the creator) Because Art.
My best friend's family was a creative one and his mother was Dutch and one year they decorated a Christmas Chair. It worked, though. It was unique and very them.
Each to their own I say.