Erm, I am the Great Satan of Button Rock Drive (in the Islamic sense, you understand) and stopped having a tree in the house about five years ago. I _will_ put up a wreath and probably cut out some snow flakes. It also pleaseth me to drabe (substitute a "p" for a "b" in that last word; your filter filters MUCH *grin*) white lights amongst the heavily pruned bushes. ;-)

My parents downgraded to a halfsize tree and gave us all but the smallest of their ornaments, so most of what's on our tree are the same mish-mash that I grew up with. Even though many are old enough that I don't remember where they came from, they carry many memories of childhood Christmases. I'd say over half of them are a true red, so although they're made of all sorts of materials and come in a wide variety of shapes, they do go together pretty well.

What a great post and what a great question. I love that moment when I open the ornament box after the tree is up and the lights strung. There is such a sense of joy as I rediscover my favorite ornaments along with the memories associated with each. I've noticed that my son Ron has the same reaction. When I first put up a tree, I bought a white porcelan angel and loved it so much I decided I would decorate my tree them. I never did make the big investment but I have about five beautiful delicate angels. I have several antique flocked glass ornaments given to me by an elderly friend. We have several "Nutcracker" ornaments purchased at the ballet by my sons. They were six years old the first time I took them to the Nutcracker. The orchestra put them on the edge of their seats as they never imagined such music and the dancing left them agape. We teach second grade Sunday School so we have a collection of ornaments given to us over the years by our students. And of course the homemade ornaments that the boys brought home all through grade school. Yes it is a mishmash and I'm sometimes envious of the beautiful themed trees but not for long. I decorate my tree with love.