A Christmas Tree Story that Promises Wishes

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Snow globes, fresh-out-of-the-oven ginger snaps, and tip toes around the presents are some of my favorite childhood memories. I love Christmas with all of my heart and still feel the magic that the Christmas tree brings. I’m thrilled to celebrate our second holiday season with Balsam Hill. Over the next two weeks we will be sharing our family’s holiday traditions and some helpful how-to’s.

Join Balsam Hill and Handmade Charlotte’s creative team as we deck the halls with a merry collection of holiday decor. We hope to inspire you and add a few new traditions to your family’s holiday celebration. So grab a cup of hot chocolate and follow along as our story unfolds.

Young girl drinking from a Santa Claus mug
The Beginning to a Christmas Tree Story

It takes a full week to decorate our family farm for Christmas. We start in the Great Room and finish with giant nutcrackers guarding the entrance gate. It’s no secret we are huge hot cocoa fans. (I mention it in practically every article I write throughout the holidays.) Before we even think about pulling the ladder down from the attic to gather boxes of glittery globes, angels, and ornaments, we pour heavy cream into a copper pot and make a yummy batch of hot chocolate.

Set the Holiday Scene

sons on the living room couch
A Bit of Holiday Decor in Every Room

You can see my three boys are having a ball listening to their Papa tell a hilarious tale from his own boyhood Christmases. The three-tier wreath with lovely velvet bows in the background is the perfect compliment for our armoire. This piece adds just the right backdrop for all of the family photos snapped on the couch through the holidays.

Holiday Photo Tip: We love to capture the family in real moments. Think about where photographs are typically taken in your home and add interest to those locations with a well-placed garland.

Capture the Tiny Details

young boy's plaid rolled up pants
Every Moment is Filled with Meaning, Especially When You’re with Family

This photograph is the perfect example of focusing on the tiny details that make the holidays so special. In this photograph my husband is tying our youngest child’s boots. The photograph tells its own story with this magical Santa’s bag and a few bits of dirt on his boots from carrying in logs for the fire.

Holiday Photo Tip: Don’t forget to focus on the tiny details to capture those special moments.

owl snow globe
Musical Woodland Owl Snow Globe

Like most families, we add a little more to our Christmas decor every year. They become old friends over time with memories attached to every ornament, tinsel, and garland. We love this stately owl who has found himself inside a snowy musical wonderland. The Musical Owl Snow Globe is new to the Balsam Hill Catalog this year and makes a perfect gift or new addition to your Christmas collection.

DIY Holiday Shooting Star Wishing Jar Memory Keeping Game

wishing jar
Commemorate Every Wish and Memory

This homemade Shooting Star Jar is a family favorite. The idea came about when my first-born daughter was about three-years-old. It was a cloudy winter night and there wasn’t a star to be seen in the sky. She asked me where the stars went. I quickly replied, “Oh! I forgot to tell you. Your father and I climbed a giant ladder last night and grabbed all of the stars and put them in a jar for everyone to make wishes on Christmas morning.”

Of course, she thought I was telling her the truth and my response was indeed fact. The conversation ended there. I had to deliver on my promise! And 10 years later, the shiny shooting stars still show up every Christmas.

How To Play

wish upon a shooting star jar
Wish Upon a Shooting Star

Find an old jar with a lid. Pickle jars are perfect. With some silver glitter paper (or whatever paper you have on hand) cut out as many stars you have wishes. On Christmas morning, we encourage everyone to grab a star, write their wish, and stick a date on it. After the wish is made, they return the star back to the jar and wait for it to be granted. We have a ball looking through past wishes and reflecting on the years past. And the best part is, you can make as many wishes as you would like. We love this game and know you will too!

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? We love hearing from you!

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