I faced a difficult decision last weekend when my mother suggested we go to a Christmas tree display at a local greenhouse that over the years has morphed into a gigantic store and tourist attraction.
I could go, or I could say, "Mother, you know I don't like commercially produced Christmas ornaments manufactured after 1954, and I certainly don't want to go see trees filled with them, especially since I'll have to wait in line to see them with a busload of senior citizens from the Pittsburgh suburbs."
Yes, I was this close to revealing myself as an ornament snob.
But it being the holiday season and all, I didn't. We hopped into my mom's minivan and drove off to the display. It was like I was 12 again. (Except the minivan hadn't been invented yet when I was 12.)
And I must say, I enjoyed the display very much. I could have lived without the tribute to Dora the Explorer, and the faux Victorian trees, but there were lots of very pretty trees. And very cute toddlers being their very cutest.
I gravitated toward trees with an old-fashioned look.
And I was really impressed with how many ornaments those folks could get on a tree. They were loaded. I came home and added a few ornaments to my tree, which seemed a little bare by comparison.
I liked the giant sock monkey.
This was the greatest thing ever. It's a replica of a 1950s television, with twinkling lights in the village, and a flying Santa, and constantly falling snow.
Although these aren't the grandest or most elaborate animated figures, I remember them fondly from the Christmas tree displays of my childhood. It's sweet they kept a few of the originals for old time's sake.
OK, the next tree is so hideous that it's not an official part of the Christmas tree display. It's in its own little corner of the store. Well, actually a pretty big corner of the store, but it is so tacky it's not even allowed in the same display with Dora the Explorer. Ready?
It's a Pittsburgh Steelers tree!
Here, this will soothe your eyes - ornaments on a pretty woodland tree.
Speaking of woodland, I found this lovely Beistle Christmas banner at the thrift store yesterday - holly, and letters made out of birch logs, still in its original package.
I also discovered that 6-foot-long streamers are very difficult to photograph, but you get the idea.
Since the holidays are soon upon us, I thought I'd fill you in on some coming attractions:
- Photos of an ornament that you'll probably find hideous until you find out something else about it,
- An important announcement regarding the upcoming Academy of Vintage Christmas Ornament Arts and Sciences Awards,
- And an event in which you might win not one but two fabulous prizes, both of which involve Shiny Brites.
Yes, I thought that last item might catch your eye. More later.
