Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Grandma's Aluminum Christmas Tree

Back in 1995 when my Grandfather passed away and we were cleaning out his home, I decided I wanted to take my Grandmothers aluminum Christmas Tree and color wheel.
I hated it growing up, when they moved to a new home they bought it and no longer had a real tree.
My Mom thought I was nuts! But it came home to my house and found a home in my Pink Bedroom and every Thanksgiving Eve my Mom and I would put it up. I miss that tradition with my Mom.
I love looking at our family pictures from Christmas
and yes the aluminum tree.
I still have the Santa that lights up my living room ever year, the round marble table and the ruby candy dish.

1966 the first year, I guess they were trying to get a picture with the color wheel at night.
I still have the Styrofoam ornaments and still use them also. See the boot?

1969 Santa moved to the front window to greet guests.

yes that is me 1966 and my sweet Mom and brother.
I see Mark got some GI Joe clothes and I am sure I am unwrapping some Barbie clothes, since I see my new Alan doll in the picture.

1969
I look older than 10?
That box is my Easy Bake oven......why yes I still have it!
Look, a White Christmas too!

Same year, sitting my Grandma's dining room with my parents and brother.
I can honestly say I still have everything on the table with the exception of my brothers
"Mark" mug, notice the red and white check mugs with our names on them we always drank out of.


1970 playing with our Snoopy Game.
I always had a new outfit for Christmas, and I can see I had my new charm bracelet on.

I miss those days, Christmas has never felt the same since my Mom passed away.

But having 1515 brings back some of the magic for me.
here is the same tree now at 1515.
Do you see the Styrofoam boot ornament?
I now decorate it with all pink ornaments.

maybe Grandma knew after the boots glitter is pink!

So I am so glad I grabbed that tree some 20 years ago.
Who would of thought it would of started at my Grandmother Willingham's home and end up at my Grandmother Winkler's home.

Next post will be the trees of 1515 starting in 1941 to the present.
Followed by the trees of Booth House, pre aluminum Christmas Tree home.

I hope you enjoy these nostalgic Christmas pictures.

Ann


19 comments:

Anita Diaz said...

Wow, that just warmed my heart!! How blessed you are to have those amazing photos, memories and the tree!! They are so collectible these days, and I wish I could find one, but the memories are what make it so special. Just beautiful:-)

Paulette said...

I always enjoy your family stories and seeing your wonderful photos. Thanks so much for sharing. My brother in law is progressing in his illness and I still help my sister with his care. I hope that someday I will be back to blogging and visiting my favorite blogs on a regular basis. Enjoy this special season.

Anonymous said...

Hi Ann! Oh, what memories! I love it that you have kept all of these sweet treasures. The tree looks wonderful. We had one too but I have no idea whatever happened to it!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Susie said...

Ann, I love how you are the memory keeper for your family. you amaze me. You thoughtfulness touches my heart too. The way you honestly love still using things from your childhood. Bless you, xoxo,Susie

NanaDiana said...

First off- what a wonderful treasure and I can't believe all of the things you still have that were part of your childhood. What a blessing! I am sure that sweet little house is full of memories for you!
Did you say Winkler? My hubby's great grandmother was a Winkler-but not sure where she was from. xo Diana

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

Yes Diana Winkler is my maiden name! Wouldn't that be something if I was related to Mr.! They had large families in the 1800's

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Ann, I enjoyed your pictures and I'm glad you have your grandmother's tree. I'm sure she would be pleased. What lovely memories! Thanks for sharing.

Blessings,
Sandi

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Thank you, Ann, for sharing this at my little party. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Blessings,
Sandi

Gina @ VictorianWannaBe said...

Hi Ann, I always enjoy reading about your sweet childhood memories and seeing the photos. My grandma had that same tree! So glad you got it! Can't wait to see more!
Gina

ann said...

Oh my. I remember my grandma's beautiful fresh cut tree that was cut up in the mountains at her cabin. I even have a couple of ornaments from grandma's tree. Shen she died. The first Christmas without her was at our house, the last time the whole family would celebrate together. Then grandpa remarried how horrified I was when we celebrated Christmas at her house for she had the new aluminum tree! It had the automated color pallet that lit the tree instead of lights. I hadn't thought of that tree in years. Your's looks perfect in your bedroom and what wonderful memories you have shared. Pretty cool, Ann

Pam~ Virginia Retro said...

Oh Ann, such great photos and memories! I love our ugly-cute aluminum tree too, thanks to the memories it evokes. You do look older than 10, and a little flirty too. :) Great post!

Curtains in My Tree said...

Ann

These old memories makes me cry

I think of my childhood and I lived with my maternal grandparents
I have one picture of Christmas at their house when I was 3 years old and just barley remember the day.

I don't have much of my Grandparents things like you do

We always had a tree cut down in our woods and I don't think I knew about aluminum trees

I am always amazed of all your family history and items you have of your childhood

Janice

Lisa said...

I love this post!!! I need some of those. I also posted about my Aluminum tree that we are using this year. Hop over to my page and check it out. I wish I knew about Styrofoam ornaments. Have a great weekend!
Lisa

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

Great family photos and memories! I wish I had kept Mom's aluminum tree... I guess she threw it out years ago. Great post!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Ann, those childhood Christmas's were the best! Love the old photos! My older sis had an aluminum tree. Her oldest daughter has it and uses it. She also had a small table top one and gave it to me. I use it in my living room. Love it! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Debbie said...

My Grandma had the same tree with the color wheel, and my Dad ended up with it! We used it for years! I remember the familiar squeaking of the wheel as it turned.
I love all of your photos you shared, Ann! What a wonderful post!
Debbie
xo

Pat said...

Ann,
Your memories are far better than mine around our Aluminum Christmas Tree with the Color Wheel!!!
Ours was purchased when we found out I had severe allergies to all evergreens!!!
I remember my beloved brothers non-enthusiastic reply,"Gee. . .Thanks' Sissy."
Oddly enough, he confessed to me years later that he almost purchased one at the Flea Market!!!
Thanks for the wonderful memories shared around your and my Aluminum Christmas Tree!!!
Fondly,
Pat

Donna said...

What great Christmas photos and memories, Ann! Your tree looks so pretty in your pink bedroom. I remember my easy bake oven, I just loved it, and the little packages of cake mix were pure magic. That is so neat you still have so many treasures from the past!!

Divya said...

Superb Article i like Satta King by the next afternoon I'm chomping at the bit to get back to it.This is very good blogspot theme, where you can find out the best theme and latest designs Very good . Know what you mean. but You know about the Game which is viral soo fast in India play bazaar