Sometimes the best things really do come in small packages. A few of my Blogging BFFs and I were talking about our trees and trimmings, etc. and decided that we should share what is special about our trees. What first came to mind is Dixie. Dixie is the mother-in-law of one of my dearest friends in the world. Every year Dixie makes a ton of ornaments for her three daughters and my friend (and maybe others too), to give away to their friends and family. I look forward to seeing her newest creation every year.
Today I’m going to share them with you, because I think generosity like that is pretty special!
Most of them are dated on the bottom, and date back to 1999. Many are made by recycling light bulbs, including this light bulb Santa which is the first ornament I received:
Not all are dated so the rest are in no particular order.
This wine cork ornament is probably my favorite:
Here is one of many light bulb ladies:
Love the boa and detail on the hat. Here is another sans boa:
Dixie lives in a neighboring town that has a rich Peanut Farming history. This ornament is a tribute to that…
Here’s a cute little walnut man with an acorn hat:
Here’s another light bulb lady. I think this one is my favorite…
They are similar, but have their own personalities.
Here’s a dainty beaded angel:
And I believe this angel is made from magnolia pods. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong:
Everyone in town must save her their light bulbs…I think this was the first light bulb lady I received. They’ve become increasingly sassy since then.
Like this year’s ornament a la light bulb…
Loving her boa!
I’m not sure what this little glittery angel is made from, but she is sweet, although she’s lost what she was holding at one time:
And lastly, how about a golden spool?
Loved this one too.
She also made a snowman light bulb ornament that I received I think the year after the Santa. Unfortunately it broke, but I was inspired by it to create my own light bulb snowman:
I made these for all my family members the year my oldest son was born.
I wonder how many others Dixie has inspired to create?
My dear friend who gives me my Dixie ornament every year, made this pretty wine cork ornament:
Maybe she was inspired by Dixie also?
I am missing three that I can count. I’m not sure what happened to them over the years. My tree is definitely NOT lacking ornaments though:
I cram that baby full. I love to bring them back from every trip we take also.
If you saw my Christmas Home Tour or follow me on Instagram, you saw this unfortunate scene:
Maybe I shouldn’t have left the back so naked?
My hubby got it taken care of for me though, and it’s good as new…and still packed!
I love it like that. Full of my babies’ creations and memories of years gone by.
How about a shot of my sweet kitty, Holly. She turned 18 this year!
Google+ has an auto awesome feature that turned one of my tree photos into this…
I love the vintage feel!
Dixie’s ornaments are one of the things I most look forward to opening each year. So for me, sometimes the best things do come in small, thoughtful, tissue-wrapped packages.
I hope your Holiday is full of wonderful moments, and don’t snub the small packages!
Check out my blogging friends’ trees too and see what makes them special:
Nancy at Artsy Chicks Rule
Christy at My Southern Home
Shanna at Restoration Redoux
Now I’m going to go enjoy Christmas.
See you in a week or so. 😉
XO,
Here are a few more Holiday posts and projects you might enjoy:
DIY Sweater Stockings
Two Turtle Doves Wreath and Mantel
Holiday Dining Table Centerpiece
DIY No-Knit MItten Ornaments
Christmas Home Tour
Christmas Courtyard
Vintage Bedspread Christmas Tree Pillow
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ColleenB. ~ Texas says
Your tree is beautiful and I love all them homemade ornaments
ColleenB. ~ Texas says
Wishing you and your family a Very Merry Christmas
Merry Texas Christmas, You All
Merry Texas Christmas, You All
May your Days be Sunny and Bright
May your heart be Happy and Light
Merry Texas Christmas, You All
Merry Texas Christmas, You All
We have no jingle bells or sleigh
To display on Christmas Day
There’s not much snow down Texas way
But we sure mean it when we say
Merry Texas Christmas, you all …
Christy K. James says
Oh I love that, Colleen! Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas!! XOXO
Paula@SweetPea says
I love seeing your special ornaments. Our tree is also packed with ornaments and each one truly tells a story.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Paula! I love taking a walk down memory lane with each ornament I hang! I Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas too!! XOXO
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
Wow, Christy!!! What a collection! The handcrafted ornaments are amazing…the details. Who knew a light-bulb could wear a boa! It is a joy to unpack ornaments each year and take a walk down memory lane. Merry Christmas!!! XXOO
Christy K. James says
Yes, I love looking back at all the memories that each represents as well. And those light bulb ladies sure do rock those boas lol! Merry Christmas to you too!! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Oh Christy! …those handmade ornaments are great! I LOVE the boa snow ladies! They are my favorite. And your tree is just amazing…mine feels bare!! lol I think I need to cram more ornaments into/onto mine next year!!! 😉
Merry Christmas to you and your family!! (sweet pictures!)
xoxo
Nancy
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Nancy! Just when I think I can fit no more…I pull out another full box to hang ha ha. My son is always amazed that we fit them all up! Your tree is just perfect! Merry Christmas to you too! XOXOXo
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
How sweet and sentimental are those! I love the glammed lightbulb snowladies but my favorite is definitely the wine cork firelogs. Your friend’s MIL is very talented. Enjoy your downtime during the holidays Christy. Merry Christmas and I look forward to all the fabulous posts you’ll have in store for us in 2015!
Christy K. James says
Ha ha I never realized they were supposed to be “firelogs” but now I’m sure you’re right! That’s my favorite too. Merry Christmas to you too! XOXO
Shanna Gilbert says
I love all of Dixie’s sweet ornaments! Trees are so much more fun when they include memories of loved ones. Your tree looks beautiful! Merry Christmas my friend!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Shanna! I agree…Merry Christmas too! XOXOXO
Sherri S. says
Dixie is very talented for sure. Your tree is so pretty. I know the horror of finding your tree in the floor. I came home from work many years ago and mine had toppled over. As I think back to it now, I would have loved to see the LOOK on my face when I opened the front door!
Thanks for sharing your ornaments!
Hoping your Christmas is EXTREMELY BLESSED…
Sherri
Christy K. James says
I’m sure you were as shocked as I was to have your tree take a nose dive! We’ve already purchased a better tree stand for next year. Glad you enjoyed Dixie’s ornaments, she seriously makes hundreds of them each year…pretty awesome! I Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!! XOXO
Linda Petersen says
I love your ornament collection! I love a loaded tree too:). Thank you for a wonderful year of sharing~~~looking forward to more ” wonderfulness” in 2015!
Merry Christmas ! xoxo,
Linda
Christy K. James says
Aww thanks so much for following along this year, Linda! I can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store. Have a wonderful Christmas! XOXO