Finally, a Tree! See our Dollar Store Special

12 years ago

After ongoing construction blocked access to our entire trove of Christmas decorations, I had decided to forego them completely until I posted (whined?) about the situation on this forum.. Following some excellent advice received here I decided to try to replace our big tree, whose lights have slowly been winking out over the past few years. A serendipitous find at Costco, a trip to the dollar store, and an hour or so resulted in our 2011 Christmas tree!

The ornaments are mostly twisted plastic candy canes in two sizes, with a few plastic ball ornaments in red, green and gold. We bought out the store of the large candy canes! The small ones were on a bead garland that really looked cheap and awful (imagine, from the Dollar store, lol) so DS pulled them off and we hung the small canes individually.

And the best "decorations" of all, our furry friends Maddie (jack Russell/ rat terrier mix, left) and Mr. Fluffy (Llhasa Apso mix) in their matching red Christmas sweatshirts. They make any room look warm and festive!

{{!gwi}}
Oh, and we did end up with a tree topper.... the dogs' new squeak toy happened to be a red gingerbread man, so when they tore out the squeaker and started to eat the toy (in about 15 min) I put it on top of the tree!

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Comments (12)

bestyears
12 years ago
Wow! I predict that story will be re-told for many years, and will hold a place in your hearts forever.... "Remember the year we decorated our tree at the dollar store?"
tinam61
12 years ago
That's great! I'm glad you found a tree. The pups are adorable in their Christmas attire!

tina
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I received this email today and figured it was another urban legend, so I checked it out on Snopes. Unfortunately, it's the truth. It's enough to keep me out of Dollar Stores forever. I've got enough junk as it is. Investigating Dollar Stores A news investigation on dollar stores (including Dollar Tree and others): They discovered the Crest, Colgate and other brand name toothpastes weren't the same as from drug, and grocery stores etc. The toothpastes were manufactured in many other countries and are not approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). There was even some from South Africa and the fluoride is ten times stronger than what we're allowed in the U.S. (prescription strength). They're allowed stronger because they don't have fluoridated water (like we do). So if we (or our kids) use it often and occasionally swallow it, we could be poisoning ourselves. The dollar stores declined to comment and a full investigation has begun. So stick to paying full-price at your grocery store, drug store, and send this e-mail to anyone who MIGHT shop at dollar stores. This is a true story. It has been confirmed on Snopes. http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/toothpaste.asp This is also true of food products, cake mixes, cereal, etc. Here is a link that might be useful: Dollar Store junk on Snopes
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nicole__
12 years ago
Very pretty tree and pups! :0)
User
Original Author
12 years ago
Here is the top of the tree....doesn't .the gingerbread man look relieved that I rescued him?

{{!gwi}}

Tried to get the whole tree but it's difficult.... Apologize for the photos, the are iPhone specials.
bestyears
12 years ago
Yes, he DOES look happy, and he's probably humming, "You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man...."
les917
12 years ago
A great tree, and a fun story!

One thought about the cute gigerbread man - do you have one or two of the smaller candy canes left? I think it would be cute to glue one in each hand, which would create even more connection between him and the rest of the tree decor.
User
Original Author
12 years ago
Good idea, les! And I thought I heard humming as I passed by the library doors, best .......
cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
12 years ago
Looks great! The pups are adorable, too!
natal
12 years ago
Love the puppy pic! Mr. Fluffy looks like a little man.

Les, you never cease to amaze. Tweaking a dollar store tree ... decorating is definitely your passion. ;)
User
Original Author
12 years ago
Mr. Fluffy IS the man... He is the sweetest little gentleman ever!
lascatx
12 years ago
The gingerbread man does look happy -- that you can't catch me written all over his face. ;-)

I think it is fun and proves you don't have to get elaborate to have a tree with color, lights and sparkle and that whimsy can be a nice change of pace.

Your candy canes are plastic, but the year I used a lot of candy canes, I took them all to our pediatrician's office and they handed them out instead of lollipops while they lasted -- in case anyone else considered the idea but doesn't know what to do with all those candy canes.
lindac
12 years ago
Great tree!!....Remember a Christmas tree is all about family and what makes you smile.....and your tree obviously makes you smile....me too!!
I used to use candy canes on one small tree.....and just saved them from year to year!! LOL!
But one year the mice got into the Christmas stuff lured by the candy....so now I seal the aged candy canes in foil in a tin!!....so there you mice!

Finally, a Tree! See our Dollar Store Special

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bestyears

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