Finding Fifth: Putting up the Tree

I am learning the tricks of organisation steadily. This year, before I pulled out the Christmas decorations, I had the presence of mind to photograph them all first.

That way I can attach a photo to the box and repack things so that they fit in again.

I also took some advice from Organising Made Fun's, Becky and purged a few of the decorations that I no longer wanted to hang. http://organizingmadefun.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-organizing-clear-out-clutter.html

Last year I bought some really gorgeous handmade felt tree decorations from clever ladies on Facebook - Kim from 'A little Birdie Told Me' and Lidya from 'Little Molly Designs'. So I didn't even bother getting out our old wooden ones this year. They are off to the op-shop soon.

Tristan spreading out the needles - the longest job

I usually dread putting up the tree....mainly because I am the one who gets stuck doing it all by myself. I was in for a pleasant surprise when my kids wanted to get involved on the first weekend in December. So I relinquished my desire to control and let them help out.

They really did help. I left it to my eldest to assemble the frame. Then, with the box of branches, I sat just outside and worked on spreading out the needles. Then the 2 boys would insert them into the frame of the tree. Even my daughter was able to give this a go. She also supplied daddy with a steady stream of branches while he sat on the couch watching rugby.

Duncan puts the last big section up.
Sorry about the blurriness - I dropped my camera
and it won't focus on mid-range anymore.
Hoping Santa finally brings me a digital SLR this year!