O CHRISTMAS TREE

The wife, the child, and I erected and decorated our Christmas tree for 2008. We followed our family tradition of eating pizza for dinner prior to tree decorating. Then we snacked on candy and listened to Christmas carols as we decorated the tree. We each took turns hanging our favorite ornaments from the branches.

We even have "special" ornaments that we always hang on the back of the tree so that we don't have to look at them, but that we can say are definitely on the tree. (Rest in peace, Grandma!)


This red star was a gift from the wife and I to the child. It is made out of recycled elephant dung by The Great Elephant Poo Poo Paper Company. We picked it up on a recent trip to Powell's City of Books. Believe it or not, the child was very pleased with this ornament.


This "peace dove" ornament was given to me by a coworker some time ago. It is a Chinese "Li Bien" ornament, which is painted on the inside of the ball through a small opening.


This sea star ornament is one of two from another coworker, each given on different years to me. This "Dancing Star" by Margaret Furlong is loved for its organic beauty and subtle movement. The other is "A Star in the Night."


This nativity scene ornament is from one of my boss's travels to rural China. It was hand carved by a peasant craftsman. It is striking due to its simple lines that convey a rich message, its wonderful pentagonal shape, and the red cord that holds it fast to the tree.