I’ve always loved the Christmas season. When I was growing up, it was a time of wonderful music, laughter, kindness, beauty, and families gathering to share and eat. People seemed nicer, smiled more often, children were the center of attention, and there was a Santa in every store with a waiting lap.
The Christmas I remember best was my father’s last year in the Army before he retired. He was a Colonel in the Special Forces. While Christmas is usually a family day, my parents invited all the single soldiers in his unit over for a feast.
That year I was ten years old and we had the best Christmas tree ever. The tree was covered in lights and tinsel, and wrapped in what was called angel hair from the top to the bottom. It looked like threads of spun glass.
Oh, my! It was the most magnificent tree I have ever seen. It was over seven feet tall. Lights reflected off the angel hair and silver tinsel inside, creating this glowing gem that left me—as a child—in open-mouthed awe. Every time I saw the tree, I would sit on the floor and stare at it.
So, we had this crowd over dinner. Everyone clustered together eating and laughing. Did I join in? No. I was a kid. These were adults. I let everyone have the chairs and sofas, took my plate, and sat in front of that tree, eating before a magical, winter wonderland.
That tree sounds beautiful! Can you still get that angel hair? I don’t think I’ve ever seen it, but it sounds like something I would love to have on my tree.
Angel Hair was really spun strands of clear glass. That’s why it was so reflective and the halo effect is awesome. As for being available, I’ve found it on the internet.
What I find so intreseting is you could never find this anywhere else.
Wow! Your tree sounds Gorgeous!!! And I think it was really admirable that your family would invite the single soldiers over to celebrate Christmas with your family, especially when some of them might not have been able to spend it with their own. Wonder how many “matches” were made because of your families tradition!! I hope you have a very blessed Christmas!!
It was gorgeous. And throughout my husband’s career in the army, we also invited all the unmarried individuals under my husband’s command. When he left the army for the CIA, we continued this tradition with all the singles within the embassy. It made Christmas, and Thanksgiving, special and when overseas no so alone.
http://vintagechristmasdecorations.ecrater.com/p/3439409/angel-cloud-spun-glass-christmas……. I just had to look it up!! I found it! Totally gonna have to buy some!!!!
Good going, Carla. Be careful when handling it. I remember the cuts on our fingers my sister and I got helping spread the Angel Hair over the tree. My dad was wise not to have any ornaments on the tree except lights he was willing to let go. Trust me, you don’t want to try to remove the ornaments behind the Angel Hair.
Lovely tale of childhood enchantment. Gosh! What wonder we had as kids!
I’ve got the Christmas music playing today as I ready to bake cookies for my boys – who will no doubt eat them all before the holiday arrives! Ha.
I simply love this season. Happy Christmas ~ Nadja
Thank you, Nadja. In addition to the memory of the tree, my husband and I have always followed my parents’ example. We invite all those without families in our community to share the holiday meal with us, be it Thanksgiving or Christmas.
What a great memory. I can picture the scene with the tree taking pride of place.
Shelly, thank you for your comment. What’s surprising is how that one tree with no ornaments stands out for me. I’ve just discovered on the net that they still sell Angel Hair. Next year, I’ll replicate that childhood tree.
That’s a beautiful memory. I remember being in awe of the decorations, the lights. It is such a magical season! It’s so fun to see that magic reflected through my own children’s responses. Our eldest is almost three, so she’s really getting it this year.
I’m thrilled for you and your children. I remember my two’s reactions. Most of my memories center around the magic and beauty of the season, and how much fun we had as a family. All those extra guests were just more people spending time and attention on us.