Christmas in a box

For the last few years, we've enjoyed Christmas "lite." We've spent the holiday itself with our children and grandchildren at their houses. While it was a bit sad to realize I wouldn't have Christmas morning around my own tree any more, it was what I had wanted when my children were young. Everything comes full circle.

Therefore, I've even not decorated the house for Christmas once or twice. But it felt lonely when I avoided the boxes and decorations all together, so this year, we ventured to something just a bit different and I feel we finally hit the right combination.

I've wanted a wrought iron Christmas "tree" for several years and finally gave into the urge this November. It looked a bit like an overly ambitious coat tree. However, all of our favorite ornaments, those which are stored in a closet and not in the attic, were able to be easily viewed as well as the second tier of goodies I brought down from the attic.

The only issue was lights. There's no way to decorously wrap twinkles around the "branches" and as the tree was black, white or green covered wire would have been very detracting. I have a year to work on this problem.

So when it came time to dismantle the tree, it all fit in a box: the tree in pieces, the front door reindeer, the tree skirt, the Advent calendar. The ornaments went to their own boxes and 30 minutes later, it was done!

Christmas in a box. Ready for next year and all the years afterward, displaying our favorite ornaments and relatively hassle free.

Side note: I see where it's on sale at Solutions right now, but backordered. Item 67386 if you want to give it a look.