So, I put my Christmas tree up early and the grinches of the internet told me to ‘take it down’. Not only that they also said it ‘was ridiculous’, ‘jumped the gun’, ‘broke tradition’.I said ‘fuck directly off’! Well I didn’t, but I thought it.
It’s been a while since I had joy at Christmas, well to be exact 2012 was the year it all turned sour. I had breast cancer and was rocking my xmas morning pyjamas with one boob, a bald head and no lashes. I also brought a special guest to our Christmas morning present unwrapping…a nurse.
Uh huh, I invited a nurse into my home on Christmas morning and while my kids unwrapped their gifts I was learning how to inject my stomach. Merry Christmas to me.
I had also had another round of chemo on Christmas eve so wasn’t feeling too flash, oh, and I thought it was my last ever Christmas.
Don’t feel sorry for me though because look at me…four years later and I’m here for another Christmas 🙂
The last four Christmases have been a little ho hum. I have older kids (18 & 21) so the excitement and anticipation that comes with little kids at Christmas just isn’t there.
Instead, squeals of delight have been replaced with grunts, visits to Santa for a family photo are no longer, taping candy canes inside cards to be delivered to school friends and teachers is a thing of the past and driving the streets to see the Christmas lights is a memory.
I guess it had to happen, kids grow up.
This year though is different. I have JOY….freakin JOY in my heart.
I’m feelin’ the Christmas spirit, full of happiness and hope and joy. So all the grinches can get stuffed!
Yeah, I’ve put my tree up, I even bought ALL new decorations including having baubles for all 5 (yes the dog too) of us made. Ok, that might have been the Christmas music in MYER getting deep into my soul and my bank balance is looking leaner but hey, you only live once…so live! I still think Mariah Carey has the best Christmas jingle ever ( hi 5 come a close second).
Yes, the fairy lights are twinkling every night because, fairy lights! Derr!
YOUR TREE HAS BLACK…UGH!
Yes, I have black on my tree, and freakin love it! This year I chose to ‘start fresh’, new decorations for a new era. These decorations are ‘grown up’ and blend beautifully with our home decor which means the tree is beautiful to look at. My tree doesn’t jarr, it’s easy on the eye and it makes me smile…a good thing.
I pinched the timber beads from my bedroom and then headed to local store Lightbox Gift and Home for black decorations, a quick trip to Adairs ( of course ) for copper decorations, birds from Bed Bath and Table, a few assorted baubles from MYER and I was done.
TREES AREN’T WHITE!
Oh yeah, and we have a white Christmas tree. This caused a few comments amongst the traditional types on the internet. We have always had a white tree because the huz is red/green colour blind. This means a traditional Christmas looks all shades of grey and brown (vomit) and who wants that hey? In the past we have done purple, hot pink, lime green, aqua and loads of other colours…and loved them all 🙂 For a decent budget white Christmas tree check this one out.
WHY THE BIRDS?
When I was little we got together with my one set of cousins and grandparents, a small gathering, very dysfunctional, but at the time is was family. One tradition etched into my heart was the coloured birds my Nan placed on her Christmas tree, six in total…one for each of her grand children. They were all diferent colours, similar to the tin cups of the era (remember them?), mine was pink of course. We have been collecting birds for our Christmas tree ever since we were first married and have quite a collection 🙂
YOU HAVE PRESENTS UNDER YOUR TREE…ALREADY!
I sure do. Told you I was feeling the joy!
We don’t buy many presents, but at the end of the day ‘Christmas is coming’ so while I’ve been out and about and feeling the joy I have also been shopping. There is no way in hell I want to be near a major shopping centre in the month of December stressed of ‘my man made tits’ so I’m getting in early.
My Christmas tree is up, it’s not a crime. What is a crime is that for some families they will be missing someone at their dinner table this Christmas. Their Christmas will be sad, there will be less joy…maybe none.
People I know, friends even will not be here to enjoy Christmas this year. Christmas is not always happy and bright so when that feeling does wash over me I embrace it.
Live now while you are living.
Til next time,
Jen x
Love it! My tree went up today as this is the day Father Christmas arrives in Adelaide via the pageant (despite me now living in Melbourne!)
Enjoy this Christmas Jenni xx
Love the Adelaide tradition and I’m sure the streets would have been filled with hard core pageant attendees this morning even thought the weather is windy and raining.
You don’t need to justify anything you do – you go for it!!! So many wonderful achievements for you in 2016. Merry Xmas!!
Thanks Anne x
I love your tree Jen and I’m right there with you in the early Christmas joy, it’s my favorite time of the year… why shouldn’t we stretch it out as much as possible!
SNAP Caitlyn…merry Christmas x
I have been thinking about buying a new Christmas tree this year … a black one ….. with red and silver decorations will go great with the colour scheme of our house. But I may give in the a nice green fibre optic tree. Our current tree is 7 ft and just way too big these days. I am also a bit excited for this Christmas as our daughter, son in law and 2 grand daughters are finally moving here from Sydney (after me nagging for the last 2 yrs). It is not great to move interstate away from family as we did 3 years ago and sit alone together on Christmas day ….. so instead of a quite Christmas we are going to have a loud one with 2 beautiful grand daughters running around the house … winning. I had surgery on my foot a couple of days ago, so as soon as I am able to stand for more than 10 mins …. I will be buying a new tree and our tree will be going up early too. Enjoy your Christmas Jenni xx
Maybe you could do 2 trees? Christmas on your own is no fun so I’m thrilled your house will be filled with Christmas Crazy this year…enjoy xx
Dearest Jen, you rock Christmas from when ever you want! I’m Christmas crazy! 20 something tshirts, 35 + pairs of earrings, socks, handbags, phone covers! And that just for me to wear! I love Christmas but I don’t start Christmas til 4 December as my late mum’s birthday is 3 December and you can’t start til after her birthday! I also have a thing for Christmas trees! Mostly little ones but I have heaps!
My Christmas craziness became worse the first Christmas after mum passed away! I had two nieces then aged 7 and 2. The lead up to Christmas that year was hard with our mum death and the death of the granddad and great grandmother in their dad’s side! So I jumped on the Christmas crazy train and some 5 years i have ridden it!
I started a few years ago putting up my Christmas tshirts photo each day on social media as well! My version of an advent calendar!
So please rock Christmas when and how you and your family want to!
Cindy you have the JOY!!! love it and I love your t shirt a day on social media idea xxx
Standing and applauding this.. I too think all the Grinches can SOD OFF !! Christmas is different for everyone. I am 49 and still get tingles at this time of the year. You are an inspiring woman and love how you stand up for yourself.
Thanks Yvonne, i get that xmas isn’t a happy time for everyone but if they are feeling the joy just let them be 🙂
I have noticed over the past few years the most judgemental people have rarely had a curve ball thrown their way. Why does it matter when you put your tree up? Your home, your choice! Sit back and enjoy the pleasure your tree gives you and Merry Christmas to you and yours x
Thanks Lisa xx
Hi 5 is our fav, even though my kids are almost grown! I’m very much each to his own – our tree will go up in December (some time) but you enjoy yours Jen ?
Hi 5 is so upbeat and happy…it’s the first cd we play on xmas morning 🙂
I’m a Christmas birthday baby (27th) and have always loved Christmas Unfortunately my gorgeous husband is, despite the white hair & beard, the Christmas Grinch ? To be fair, he’s experienced very ugly previous Christmases due to an ugly divorce & other dysfunctional family stuff He really just hates Christmas Because I love him dearly, we’ve compromised – big family get together the weekend before Christmas, with no gifts buts lots of hugs for Poppy, Aussie & traditional Carols at full bore & playing with grandkids & great-nieces & nephews Christmas gifts go to the families to be put under the tree for Christmas morning And then we run away & hide on the actual day – spending the day together happily Over the last few years we’ve gone on holiday overseas or interstate and this year we’re Cruising on a flash harry ship with all the bells & whistles We’ll share Christmas lunch with new friends & come home refreshed To each their own Ho ho ho ??????
Compromise is good…xmas is not a happy time for everyone. We too have headed away for Xmas tree, enjoy your cruise xx
You really are the best! Gosh why do people have to find negatives in people being excited about something! I love your decorations and your white tree. Embrace that joy 🙂 ps. Hi 5 Christmas songs are my favourite ever. I plan on tackling Christmas with the joy of a 3 year old! I may even just put my tree up too soon xx
Hi 5 xmas tunes make me happy ☺☺
I’m so loving this. Your tree is amazing Jen, your spirit just beautiful. So very glad you have got your Christmas mojo back . I lost my Mum 7 years ago on Christmas Day . Each Chrissy morning I wake, have a little cry then hop out of bed and embrace the day with gusto . We only get one life and one Christmas once a year. Time to celebrate both I say . With love to you and your family this Christmas . Jen X
Thankyou Jennifer. While some might see your Mums passing on xmas day as a negative I think it would be a privilege to celebrate her beautiful life on such a special day. Xxx
oh yes Jenn, tell people to sod off..I have had my tress and decorations up since early October..and yes, I actually do have a small black tree I put up..In fact I put up 25 trees of all different sizes and other pieces and have finished the last room yesterday..I adore Christmas time and the lead up to it and I hope you are enjoying it fully again..xx
25 trees, you sure do have the joy! I bet your friends and family love it x
Now I’m feeling bad. We came to Adelaide 10 years ago and we got on the SA tradition of Pageant day Christmas decorations going up . This year we are not going but watching it on TV. But have no energy to do the decorations today…..the kids love it. We have a family tradition of not turning the lights on until the 1 of December. I love your tree, love that you a far more organised than I am……must admit I to did not get the early decorating, but wanted to be part of the happy tradition. To tell you the truth it is great to get it organised as the end of November and December are far to busy……better go time to dust of the decorations boxs…..?
We will watch the pageant on the telly this afternoon too. Everyone is entitled to put their tree up whenever it suits them…the time needs to feel right xx
Hi Jen, our tress used to go up after we got home from the pageant every year when we lived in SA and I continued the tradition when we moved to Perth (still haven’t warmed to their night time pageant but nothing will ever top the old John Martins pageant and the Magic Cave for me) as my children have all grown and left home I struggle with Christmas Joy and hope when I eventually get grandchildren that Joy will return! Think I might try and find a “Different” little tree this year – thanks for the inspiration
Good old John Martin’s! Having a new era tree has been the change we needed…give it a go Sue x
I always put up the tree the day before the pageant. That is tradition in this house.. This year I have kept with the same colour theme but bought my boys a decoration each this year which I will add to each year… Love your Tree Jen gorgeous is a white tree. Black and Rose Gold perfect combo???? Here’s to many more Christmases and if you want to put it up a week before or in December it’s your choice and stuff everyone else’s opinion… ????
As long as you put it up with joy in your heart who cares when hey.
Enjoy the spirit of Christmas- Peace on Earth and goodwill to all men- I love Christmas and it’s great now to see so many different themes instead of the traditional palette. I love decorating the house for Christmas and always went traditional until a few years ago and have tried lots of different themes. I have multitudes of Decorations!
Like you Christmas was a bit of a non event when the kids were in their teens but now that I have 4 grandchildren it’s a joy once again.
Thanks Lorraine, enjoy those grandkids xx
Beautiful tree Jenni! I am with you on the screw what other people think! We all deserve JOY not only at Christmas but all year round xxx
Thanks lisa xx
I love your tree Jen. I say good on you. I wait until after the 13th November (as this my son’s birthday) and then all The Christmas Decorations come out bit by bit. Sometimes I think I’m more excited than the kids ??. My husband puts lights up outside (front and back). My favourite time of year ?
Happy birthday to your son and merry Christmas x
Love love love the black. Thanks for showing us how it’s done. Fabulous
Thanks Sally x
All the yeses you do what you want to do and tell the naysayers to get stuffed Jen I love that you have joy this year and those little birds I have a couple left from my Nanas tree ? from a long time ago!
I have some black baubles too I like them Xx
I wish I still had the ones from my Nans tree Lisa…what a treasure you still have some xx
Love the tree Jen, you are right when the Joy strikes clutch and run like mad away from the grinches.
Thanks Jazz xx
Jenni I am not really a Christmas person myself but I would never begrudge other people for enjoying Christmas. People who leave nasty rude comments on blogs and on social media are normally sad pathetic people who have no happiness in their own lives. It is easy to type something horrible while staying anonymous. Most of these people wouldn’t have the nerve to say horrible things to people’s faces. I always think if you don’t have something nice to say just don’t say anything at all.
I like your logic Julie and agree totally xx
Feel the joy I say, I love your grown up tree. I put two trees up and get some flack but hey, I don’t give a rat’s rear end . I love Christmas and nobody’s getting in my way of decorating the crap out of my house inside and out. Enjoy your Christmas and the joy that you feel Jenni. Xx??????????????????
Go for it!!
OMG!! I remember little birds with real feathers on our christmas tree when I was (a lot) younger! Haven’t thought about them in years!!
I loved them…still do
i’m happy for you jen!
you deserve to have a happy joyous Christmas hun!
I love your aesthetic and your tree is gorgeous!
yesterday I was thinking to get out the decorations! … so I will today on this blustery day!
I have three tumble weed bushes and I foof each one up! colour coordinated ofcourse!
always including a little thing from my mother and grandmother! memories!
thanks jen!
much love m:)X
Those special decorations are the best Merilyn xx
You put your tree up girlfriend!! Bugger those who are so offended by it going up early. They need to lighten up a little. You should celebrate Xmas with gusto.
I remember when I was a child (same era as you) my mum had white birds with silver glitter that would clip onto the tree. They were my favourite decorations. She doesn’t put her tree up now so perhaps I can go and “borrow” them.
As for my tree, I think it will go up next weekend when my husband (Mr Christmas Nazi) is at work. I used to wait until after my kids birthdays (25th & 26th Nov) but now they’re adults, I try and sneak it up earlier. My only concern is that I am getting an early Xmas present in the form of a cavoodle puppy in early December, so I have visions of my tree being destroyed by little fangs. I’ll have to devise a plan to keep it out of reach.
Oh definitely raid your Mums decorations for those birds ☺
Wow, people will bitch about anything won’t they, FYI the Grinch is my favorite movie, because he saw the light and finally found his Christmas spirit, I too have had cause for Grinchie Christmas’ but one can wollow in self pity or move on, my daughter Sarah loves Christmas and she has blessed us with two beautiful little people to bring the squeals of Christmas excitement back into our lives, it helps a lot. So good on you, life is a gift that can be neatly wrapped and opened every day. Do what makes you happy, enjoy every minute of your beautiful tree and the Christmas season. I love your blogs and your strength, dare I say it too soon at the risk of upsetting those whose opinion is different to ours, Merry Christmas and thank you for your gift of sharing your thoughts on life Joy❤️???
Thankyou Joyfir your kindness. Merry Christmas x
With you! Had to put my Christmas sparkles & lights on tonight … just to ready your post it’s been a manic chaotic year so far…and it was a memorabilia of JOY and Gratefulness & humbleness that I sit looking at the beautiful lights & gorgeous glitter from every angle. Bring on the sparkle,
Love your posts #lovereal!
P.S have to get my hands on those leopard print pants – they are incredible !
Love love love your style ❤️ So much love!!
Tam …