It was our local Christmas Tree Festival at the weekend and as usual we went along to see the trees and support the local church and Foodbank, which they run from the church hall every Monday. Admittance to the festival is a couple of items from the Foodbank request list, and we always buy a cup of coffee each and Alan has a slice of cake to support the church funds.
There were some very unique trees this year.
But I think that a lot of people had seen the 'book Christmas tree' on social media, as books were a recurring theme.
The Foodbank entry.
The one we both independently voted for, and which also won the friendly competition. I guess lots of people could see how much work had gone into it. It was called 'Fleece Navidad'. 😄
Lots of trees, and lots of colour schemes.
More books, but on a smaller scale this time.
A tiny 'booky' offering, I think this one is lovely in its simplicity.
A view of the stained glass window and the altar nativity.
We loved having a wander round looking at these trees and all the others, then we went onto a Christmas Craft Fair, where all we bought were a couple of old hooks for the back of our bedroom doors in the new bungalow and stayed for a sandwich and yet more coffee. The stallholders all seemed really quiet and demoralised, it does make you want to support more of the crafters, but sadly there was nothing else that we needed.
We had left home at 9am in the morning for a meeting at the bungalow, and didn't get back until after 4pm, so we managed to get a lot fitted into one day, leaving Sunday free for visiting Mum.
Sue xx
The Christmas tree festivals are interesting. Seeing all the different ways they interpret the decorations is fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThey are aren't they. Going to this each year is something that has quickly become a tradition for us. 🎄
DeleteThese are really creative. I can see why Fleece Navidad got lots if. Votes 🐏🐑🐏
ReplyDeleteIt's original and very colourful isn't it. The ladies of the Knit and Natter group turned out a massive 200 knitted 'Christmas Pudding' covers for chocolate oranges this year for the patients and siblings of our local children's hospice. ❤️🎄
DeleteLots of imaginative ideas but the gun in the Christmas tree is not an image of peace, ghastly interpretation. Sandra
ReplyDeleteI was in two minds over this one. 🤔 It was entered by the Veterans Society, highlighting that so many wars continue over the Christmas period and the devastation that they cause. It's titled 'Onward Christian Soldiers'. I guess if it gets people thinking it's good, it's definitely unique.
DeleteMy favourite was the soldier standing guard and the message below the two flags. June
ReplyDeleteI was in two minds about that one, I nearly voted for it, but then went for the more cheerful option. It definitely made me think, which can only be a good thing. 🙂
DeleteThey are very popular now. We called in at the Penrith one on the way back from Scotland last year. I do like the unusual purple and yellow/gold colours together. The winner deserved the prize. If I chose one to take home it would be the simple one made from a repurposed book.
ReplyDeleteThey were a very varied selection as always, Christmas tree festivals do seem to be cropping up more and more don't they. I think they can be a good way to bring people into churches and to raise some money for church funds, and something that's not as costly for people on a budget to support. Yes, I liked the simple book tree, I might have to have a go at making one next year.
DeleteA lot of thought and effort, and lovely photographs. Our WI craft expert decorated one with dressed, pipe cleaner angels this year which we had as favours at the Christmas lunch. One year it was painted peg donkeys.
ReplyDeletePipe cleaner angels and peg donkeys, your craft expert had a very good imagination. :-)
DeleteThe trees were so cleverly done but I'm in two minds about the gun too. Not the Christmas image I would like to remember.
ReplyDeleteAngie
Perhaps it would have been better without the gun, the 'soldier tree' could maybe have held something else.
DeleteLovely Christmas trees - people are so imaginative. You had a very busy day. It's sad that so many small businesses are suffering and will continue to do so until the uncertain economy is properly sorted out.
ReplyDeleteSome people seem to be being realistically careful with spending and others are throwing caution to the wind, and will most likely live to regret it in January when the credit card bills land.
DeleteLovely selection of trees-our craft group made the folded book ones last year and then wound the little battery lights round them. The hardest part for me was destroying a book in order to make the tree. Catriona
ReplyDeleteI can understand that, I would have to find a book that I really didn't want anymore, or else buy a tatty one from the charity book table. 😄
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