I beg your forgiveness for not getting around and visiting very much these days...I am overwhelmed with trying to get everything done before Christmas...much to do and never enough time to do it in....Above is a partial shot of my little tree....This darling tree was made by my dear friend Carl Bostelmann, in what he called Santa's Workshop! He owned a beautiful store called Kaleidoscope, and each year he would make lots and lots of goodies for Christmas, starting about three months before---almost right after Labor Day....ornaments and trees and such. Dear Carl died in December of 1990, of AIDS related illnesses....I wrote about him in my World AIDS Day Post, on December 1st....
This litle tree is not even three feet high...in fact, including the ornament on the top, it is approximately 32 inches high. Carl put tiny little lights on it and some beautiful Red Cardinals, and some small red ornaments including the one on top, and a lovely plaid Ribbon, and that was it! Simple and beautiful and just enough to give you this warm Christmassy feeling....Over the years I have added some small things...some little Teddy Bears---different types and different colors, a few special little tiny ornaments that I found here and there, or that were given to me by different people....And each year I redress the tree....I have had this sweet little tree since around 1974....
Here's a dear little plump soft bear....I love him...there is another one like him up above on the other side of the tree, in tan....And this one below is a darling fat red bear...a little miniature of many bears I have had....and still have.....I love Teddy Bears, a lot!
I have this same little bear in green, too...again, on the other side of the tree....I know this tree is old and probably should be retired, but I just cannot give her up. It reminds me of Carl and the wonderful friendship I had with him for almost thirty years, having met him in late 1961....So, as long as I am around this little tree will be around, too!
And one more view, before I get back to my own little 'Santa's Workshop'...I promise I will try to be better about visiting and such, after these holidays are over....Meanwhile, I hope all of you are having a good time creating the magic of the Holidays for you and your family and friends.....And to all my 'lansman', a Very Happy Hanukkah!
Oh yes indeed, we must have a Hannukah Bear!
More To Come.....
- had this to say:
What a darling little tree! It really is very Christmassy and I just love your little bears - especially the red one with his big belly. It looks like he's had too much turkey and pudding! LOL!
I am here from Michele's this time but I would have shown up anyway :-)- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 12:45:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
It's a beautiful tree, Naomi!! And it certainly radiates that 'Christmasy' feeling, even in the pictures, a very special tree indeed!!!
- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 4:00:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Lovely Xmas tree and on top of that: it is a very special one made by a friend! how wonderful! love the teddys but specially the Hanukkah one, I have never seen anything like it!!
It's a busy time for all of us, but we shouldn't feel "guilty" about not finding time to do all we want to do...take it easy, dear, enjoy the holiday season!!- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 4:54:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
awwww, I love your tree Naomi!!
We aren't putting one up this year so it's nice to go around and see everyone else's!!
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and of course a Happy New Year!!- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 6:36:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
this time of year is so hectic! i will admit, you are further than i am... i got up about half my outdoor lights, then quit and figured it is just to cold to hang the icicle lights (i would become an icicle myself if i stay out that long). i got my tree up, but normally we string popcorn and hang tinsel, those last two steps got skipped this year, so it looks a little bare (hehe just noticed the pun, yours has little bears mine looks a little bare)!
relax a while, we will still be here when you return!- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 8:02:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
If you use the tiny trees you can put one in every room. I put a little ceramic tree with a light inside on the dresser in Nyssa's room. It's ready for her return next week.
- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 8:56:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
The tree is sweet and it's a good thing to keep when made by a friend. It's still strange though as i was sure that you'd have a large 'real' tree!
Happy Christmas.- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 9:20:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I love your tree. There is no need to 'retire' it. It brings you pleasure and now us, too. I think it's perfect. I would love to have a tree just like that but my children would never allow that. Merry Christmas to you!
- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 9:22:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
AS I LIT THE CHANUKKAH CANDLES LAST EVENING I THOUGHT ABOUT THE HOLIDAY SEASONS OF THE PAST FILLED WITH SO MANY WARM MEMORIES.
I HAD AN ARTIFICIAL TREE IN THE CORNER OF MY LIVING ROOM THAT BECAME OUR CHANUKKAH TREE AND WAS DECORATED EVERY YEAR WITH BLUE LIGHTS AND SPARKLING ORNAMENTS MADE BY MY CHILDREN. IN THE OPPOSITE CORNER OF THE ROOM STOOD THE LIVE CHRISTMAS TREE BRIGHTLY LIT AND DECORATED BY MY CHILDREN. IT WAS A VERY SPECIAL TIME FOR FAMILY AND TOGETHERNESS.- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 10:30:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
The tree is quite cute and yes it does give you a warm Christmasy feeling.
I know how you feel since Ive been busy as well lately and havent got the time to visit my dear blogfriends as well. But now I do! hehehe
Anyway, i hope you have a lovely weekend there!- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 11:06:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
A very sweet little tree - and very red and Christmasy :) I think sentimental value counts for a lot this time of the year!
- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 11:36:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Happy Hanukkah, Naomi and take care of that little tree. It is precious, and even more so since it was made by a friend who is with you no more.
- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 12:56:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Oh, I love your little tree!! It's darling and you most certainly must never retire it. That would never do!! It's far too cute for that. I love all the ornaments and especially the teddy bears. They are adorable.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Naomi!!- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 2:38:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
What a gorgeous tree and beautiful Christmas decoration, Naomi! Love so much the red colour all around your living room! The Hannukah Bear is lovely, too!
- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 4:31:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
That is just a DARLING little tree! Just perfect for you, I think! And such a super memory of your friend! I also love the Hanukkah Bear -- and that you are honoring your Jewish friends too! :)
- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 4:33:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
That is such a perfect tree for you & Sweetie! If it were mine, I'd never retire it. Absolutely never! Especially now that it's an important memory of your friend. I love the decorations, especially the plaid ribbon..I'm a huge plaid freak, lol. I hope you have a wonderful Hanukkah.
- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 4:46:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
A very special and attractive tree, most definitely. Can understand why you treasure it so.
A happy Hanukkah to you. May this holiday season bring you much joy.- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 5:06:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Very lovely! We don't have a tree so I shall live vicariously through yours :)
- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 5:41:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I love your bitty tree. A very special tree indeed.
- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 6:07:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
That is the perfect tree for you Naomi, I love it :)
We finally got ours up last weekend, first time in 20 years we have not had a REAL tree.
Strange thing is it is the first year I am not sneezing and wheezing lol.- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 8:37:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
What a charming tree and what history goes with it! The ornaments are pretty too.
- Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 9:48:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi. Nice tree... and I love the bear!
Michele sends her regards.
Mike- Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 1:33:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
@$%#% Blogger!
Lets try it again.
Love the tree and the little bear is cute too!
Michele sends her regards.
Mike- Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 2:07:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Very beautiful little tree, looks so cosy ! But I also love the painting behind ! I have nothing to do this year, because we are leaving for Egypt on Dec 21 so I just have a little table decoration but no tree. This morning (sunday) I went at 7am downtown Brussels, to take pictures of the enormous Christmas tree they have put up in front of the Council house. I want to make a post with all kind of Christmas trees I found here. After having seen so many Christmas trees here on the blogs, the once I see here seem quite "naked". People don't like too much decoration and very often use only two colors. The Christmas trees in Europe are quite different to the American once.
- Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 2:14:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
That Hannukah Bear is.... amazing [chuckle].
Happy Christmas/Hannukah Naomi..
Love the mini-tree. I have one too (about 12 inches high) though its not as decorated as yours.- Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 8:55:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
I am behind on visits too...it is just too hectic this time of year to keep everything caught up!
Your little tree is delightful! You have some beautiful things hanging there.- Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 10:09:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
What an adorable little tree :-)
And, as ever, a touching story to go with it.
We have put up our battered old tree in case Charlie still feels the need to climb or nest in it.
Happy Hannukah, darling Naomi
cq- Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 12:24:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Your tree is beautiful! If I had a little tree with such a rich history I would keep it out too! :)
Here from Michele's. I have been here before, but it's been a while, but I will be back again! :)- Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 1:34:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Oh, I love your tree, Naomi. It's so sweet and with SO much sentimental value. Even more special because of Carl.
Join the group....I think with all that's going on this time of year, we're all very behind in making our blog visits.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday!- Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 2:55:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Naomi - I've just posted the song lyrics on my latest video post if you want to check back.
It's a good idea. I'll probably do that from now on. Thanks.- Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 3:11:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
What a cute tree, Naomi!! We have some cute bears on our tree, too. It's nice when the ornaments (and tree, in your case) have special meaning, I think.
Hope you'll drop by to see my 1960 Christmas pic... I think you'll get a kick out of it!- Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 6:44:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I have a tiny little plastic tree, about the size of yours. It should probably be retired, too, but it belonged to my grandma and reminds me of her. It's probably worthless and ugly to others, but I see her happiness and smile when I look at it because my grandpa thought Christmas was silly and she loved it and that was her way of having her way. :)
I take it to work every year and put it up in my office. And her joy lives on through me. :)
Personally, I think our little trees bring big joys and that's an important part of The Season. :)- Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 8:08:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Naomi,
I can be found here now. Once you get there, you'll know where you are.
If you don't, email me at wtfroflmfao @ g mail.com and I'll tell you all about it.- Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 9:07:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
I love miniature things. Absolutely adorable and all the more precious tree especially because of your friend Carl.
I enjoyed seeing your special teddy bears. I don't collect them, but my daughters did, plus I love giving them as gifts to those who love them.- Monday, December 18, 2006 at 7:25:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
I clicked too soon before wishing you a Happy Channukkah! I think of many people, those I've known, those I miss, those I'd love to meet, and those I cherish as we light the candles. Too many do not know that the importance of Channukkah is celebrating religious freedom.
- Monday, December 18, 2006 at 7:29:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Just because your tree is old, it shouldn't be retired! That's ageist bigotry! Take good care of the little fella and he'll be still standin' at mid-century!
- Monday, December 25, 2006 at 9:13:00 AM PST
x4
