Last year, around this time, my father-in-law said that this year, we needed to get a Christmas Tree for Rachel. His reasoning was since we would have a baby around, we needed a tree for the baby. This puzzled Ping a bit because he never had a tree growing up. I think they were encouraging us to start our own traditions since we would have our own family. I, obviously, would love a tree as I grew up with one. But, Rachel is not here. It would be a nice thing to do for her in her memory, but there are a few practicalities we need to work out. I thought maybe you could help us.
1) where would we put the tree? (Obviously only those that have been to our place would know this)
2) should we get a fake or live tree? (remember, fake means storage space….which we pretty much don’t have)
3) How should we decorate it? We have no ornaments or lights, so we would have to buy these things. Since this year’s tree would be a thing for Rachel, is there a special way we should decorate it?
4) How big of tree should we get? What is manageable for a NY apartment?
5) Since Ping’s parents just moved to China yesterday (yes yesterday) and Ping’s brother will be in Atlanta with his Fiancée for Christmas, it is just Ping and I. What should we do for Christmas? (Sorry, we will NOT be flying to Seattle.)
5 comments:
1)Okay, I don't know you're apartment. But perhaps you could put a small tree up on a table or stand in a corner or in a window.
2)Live. Always go live. They fill your house with the beautiful smell of pine.
3)The dollar store has really cheap ornaments that look very pretty...do you HAVE the dollar store where you are? And if you really want it to be in remembrance of Rachel, you could buy and handful of special ornaments that represent her, how you feel about her, or what you imagine she would have liked or been interested in if she were still here today.
4)See #1
5)Maine is a WAY shorter trip than Seattle...and you could totally road trip it...and we've got plenty of room!!! OR...just savor time together as a couple. Strollin outside admiring lights...sip hot cocoa...reflect on the meaning of Christmas...or whatever you're favorite things are to do together.
Those are my suggestions ((hugs))
When my sister and I were sharing an apartment and we were both pretty broke, we make paper chains and cut out white paper snowflakes for our Christmas tree. Along with one small string of white or colored lights (less than $5 at Walmart), it can be really beautiful. That was years ago, but my tree always has some paper snowflakes on it to this day!
They make prelit small trees. Maybe that would be the way to go. If you like the smell of real trees, you could always get a pine scented candle. You may not need decorations at all. Maybe just the pretty lights would be enough for you guys. I just purchased an ornament (kind of expensive though, it was about $8)that says: "Our First Child" and I had them write Hope on one of the hearts. We put it right in the front of the tree under the star. Maybe 1 ornament is all you will need!! Good luck to you. Post pics please so we can see what the final product is. :) No matter what you choose, it will be a rememberance for Rachel, so it will be perfect!!!
Hi Tricia! I saw this idea on Vicky's blog last year and loved it. We were thinking of doing it this year but decided on investing in a fake tree instead.
http://thecitycradle.com/homemade-blessing-tree-tutorial-advent-conspiray
Merry Christmas,
Kim W.
3) Did you get the glass ornament for Rachel yet?
Maybe you could turn some of the items in her memory box into ornaments? (Photos, small knit items, etc.?)
4) If you get a small tree, you can always set it on a table (or window ledges? I can't remember if your apartment has ledges by the window) so everyone can see what's on it.
5) I wonder if the city will be crowded on Christmas day. If it isn't, it might be nice to go visit the tree at Rockefeller Center.. then stop by Teuscher to get some of their chocolates, which are amazing (in both taste and price). :P
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