Cool alternatives for Christmas trees...

[Yeledaf]

I'm a traditional tree guy myself. When we're home in the USA (Pacific Northwest), we always get a USFS permit and cut our own. Nothing like a day in the forest picking out the perfect tree!

But I have no problem with creative substitutes for folks who live in small apartments or have no access to fresh trees. Like my wife and me now, living near Osaka in an apartment complex with about 40,000 other people. We inherited a little plastic tree from the previous occupants and we do our best to make it look like a miniature version of our tree at home. It's not the same, of course, but it has the saving grace of its being a metaphorical representation of a traditonal metaphorical symbol of the triple miracles of birth, hope, and everlasting life.

Everybody here in Japan loves Christmas, though with absolutely no idea what it means. Which puts them in the same boat as a lot of us Americans...

[steelstress]

Originally Posted by Hopes

I really like the ladders!

The white lights forming a flat tree on the wall (#27) is a great idea for small apartment dwellers--bigger impact than a little tree on a table.

I saw that and decided I'm going to do that... perfect place for it is the wall over my fireplace (it's empty!) I'll be shopping tomorrow for lights.

[KathrynAragon]

I really like several ideas in that link - and really dislike several others!

My favorites are the rolled up poster board/scrapbooking paper made into trees - with some upholstery trim hot glued onto them - that would really be cute on a sideboard or in an entryway, or guest bath!

I also like the ornaments hung in the shape of a tree.

Some of the book trees (with the stacked books, not the opened books) are really clever and attractive - would be great for a library or reading room or in an office corner.

And I really love that hanging ornament structure (#38) that resembles a tree.

However, here is my very traditional Christmas look this year!