O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!
Each bough doth hold its tiny light,
That makes each toy to sparkle bright.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!
Thy candles shine out brightly!
Each bough doth hold its tiny light,
That makes each toy to sparkle bright.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,
Thy candles shine out brightly!
No doubt every family that celebrates Christmas has its own traditions. One such special memory for me from way back when I was a little girl was that our family lit the tree with real candles, if only to give us a few minutes of warm glow. It delighted everyone.
Last Christmas our tree decoration on the Sunshine Coast of BC was firmly directed by our mother; she wanted a simple elegant tree of white and silver with accents of blue. And, naturally, real candles. Her wish was gladly our command - it was to be our last Christmas together and we knew that.
Sunshine Coast, 2009
The cozy result pleased us all, but more importantly, the precious warm time spent together to make this tree happen will remain a profound memory.
Whatever your traditions, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I wish you warmth in your heart, not only this day, but every day throughout the year.
I leave you with a link to Vienna Boys' Choir singing O Tannenbaum, a song often heard and sung in my childhood.
I leave you with a link to Vienna Boys' Choir singing O Tannenbaum, a song often heard and sung in my childhood.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I also take this moment to thank my blogging friends for your generous gifts of encouragement and sharing. I may not be blogging for the next few days as I will be on yet another short road trip. See you again before the year is out.
15 comments:
A lovely tree and story.
Have a good time away.
How beautiful, Francisca. I'm so glad you were able to have that last Christmas with your mother, decorating the tree as she wanted it done. I've never seen a tree with real candles... it's absolutely lovely!
-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Ah Francisca! Just like my Mum. We still have real candles and this fantastic tree looks like those of my childhood. Again, merry Christmas!
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
Wie treu sind Deine Blätter.
Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
Nein auch im Winter wenn est schneit...
«Louis» et Mme la Vache thank you for your Christmas greeting!
Here's the Philadelphia Opera Chorus in the Hallelujah Chorus.
Oops! Wrong link! Here's the correct one!
Oh I love hearing Christmas stories like this! I remember when we were little our whole family would sit down and read the christmas story from the bible :-)
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas with friends and family!
Safe travels, Fransisca :-)
Francisca, hope you have had a wonderful holiday.
I didn't know that real candles can be used on Christmas trees. Such occassion will always bring out the cherished memories of our loved ones. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Very nice, Francisca. Can't imagine real candles on a real tree, but it does look pretty...and, well, family traditions are important.
Have a great road trip - hope you bring more cool photos!
I've thought how nice it would be to have real candles. Thanks for sharing yours.
Lovely post Francesca -- and how wonderful to be able to grant your mother's wish, especially at a time like that.
I have never even SEEN a tree with real candles except in picture books! Thank you for sharing your real one!
Real candles can really be beautiful for a Christmas tree, but i think many houses were sacrificed in this country because of those candles left unnoticed. Francisca, i love your photos showing the light decors in these country. I dont have the chance to take these photos as i dont have a car. Thanks for sharing them to the world. I love it when a good soul is sharing nice things about my country. A Blessed New Year for you, i hope you are happy here still.
A very touching story!
I hope you had a nice Christmas...
I just want to wish you and your family all best in 2011 - and thanks for all your comments in 2010!
This is like the tree I grew up with...my mom is from Germany. I still clip the candleholders to the tree, but light them clipped to our dessert plates! So beautiful!
Happy New Year to you too!
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