Interesting and Unusual Christmas Trees

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Alternative Christmas Trees

There are many reasons why you might want to skip a traditional Christmas tree and look for alternatives. Maybe you've just moved into a smaller place and there's no room for a tree. Maybe you don't like the idea of cutting down a tree for a decoration; or perhaps you hate the plastic-smell of an artificial tree.

Whatever your reason for not having a Christmas tree, I am here to offer you alternatives--ideas outside the box that allow you to still display your ornaments, but in a new and fun way.

This is a brainstorming exercise for me, and at the very least, I hope to encourage you to think outside the box when it comes to decorating for the holidays. Even if you don't use one of my ideas, amaze, amuse or perplex your friends with your personal and unique spin on decorating for Christmas!

Thanks to Carol Esther for the top photo.
Alternative Christmas Tree Pictures, Images and Photos

A Bottle Tree--An Awesome Alternative 

Look at the way the glass sparkles in the light!

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Friends, here is an alternative Christmas tree that is a thing of beauty and a joy to behold! I give you....the Grolsch bottle tree. I've seen this done in several ways. "Tiers" of bottles stacked like a wedding cake (pictured) is a good option. Make sure you use a glue gun to fasten the bottles securely to their bases. Admittedly, this is a very large Grolsch tree. If you have a small space, consider a 3-tiered table-top model.

Another option is to arrange the bottles as if they were branches. This kind will probably take up more space, so make the one that works for you.

Some things to consider: you can use any kind of bottle you'd like. How about those cute little Coke bottles. Coke has already ingeniously associated itself with Christmas, so that would be an appropriate look.

And the Holiday Spotlight Hits.... 

....The Leg Lamp

An enduring symbol of Christmas reaching brought to light in the 1980s' classic, A Christmas Story, the Leg Lamp shines its beacon of good cheer and holiday whimsy on us all. Who could forget the thrill of the "Major Award." If you're going to decorate this alternative Christmas tree, take care. Remember, it's "Frah-jee-lay."

A Christmas Story 45" Large Leg Lamp

Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)Buy Now

Other Great Christmas Lenses and Sites 

Humorous Christmas Cards
This talented "Freelance doodler" and Squidoo-er offers a great collection of funny Christmas cards.
Funny Holiday Videos
A collection of very funny Christmas and Hanukkah videos. I can't help it; I will never get so old that Adam Sandler won't crack me up!
Yuletide Yuk Yuks
Funny stuff here, people! Polls, funny cards, jokes--you name it; it's here.
Christmas Humor and Jokes
Just what it says: funny holiday anecdotes, poems, jokes, songs. So, lighten up and enjoy the holidays!
Christmas Humor
The Christmas Humor page on Humor Matters. I recommend the Christmas Fruitcake Recipe page. I laughed a lot:-)

The Minimalist's Alternative Tree 

The Festivus Pole

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Yes, that timeless classic, brought to our attention by the geniuses at Seinfeld. Well up as you participate in the emotional "Airing of Grievances." Nothing like heading into the New Year with a clean slate! Wipe drool from your lips as you behold the Pepperidge Farm cake bedazzled with M&Ms. Thrill at the hand to hand combat during the "Feats of Strength." And, standing proud, tall (and skinny) in all of its minimalist glory, behold the Festivus Pole.

Join in the celebration, and discover your own Festivus Miracle.
Festivus Pictures, Images and Photos

An Alternative Celebration Gets Its Day on The Hill 

Look at the staunch bi-partisan support. It's only a matter of time before we get another paid holiday. Get out the pole, people, it's Festivus!
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Alternative Trees for the Crafter in You 

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If you're feeling DIY this Christmas, why not consider making a tree from items that you love? Buy a conical form at a craft store, and glue whatever you want to it. Voila: instant alternative Christmas tree!

Here are some ideas:

  • Glue on small glass ornaments.
  • Glue beads around the cone in concentric circles.
  • Glue on multi-colored gumdrops or those little gold-wrapped toffees.
  • Glue on mini candy canes.
  • Glue on red, green and silver sequins or buttons.
  • Glue on small plastic whistles.
  • Glue red, white and green pipe cleaners.

  • Like I said, use your imagination. The possibilities are endless.

    Here's another craft idea: set up a small tripod using tomato stakes or broom handles. Wrap it with lights and hang decorations. I love it!
    latter christmas tree Pictures, Images and Photos

    Let's See What Ebay Has in the Way of Christmas Trees 

    Alternative Ones, That Is!

    Use your imagination. They are tall and skinny and will fit easily in a corner. You can add some extra hooks and hang ornaments from them. You can hang your stockings from them, if you find yourself chimney-less this year. Think of the possibilities!

    Loading Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
    eBay

    How To Build a Beer Bottle Christmas Tree 

    And they said alcohol would make you stupid.

    Decided that an Ode to Alcohol is the appropriate way to express the Spirit of the Season? Or maybe it's how you get through the annual Pilgrimage of In-laws. Either way, here's a fun Yuletide project for you. ("I like making it!" "I like drinking it!" for those of you who remember the old Shake and Bake commercials:-)
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    A Fiber Optic Christmas Tree 

    LB International 22454 6' Fiber Optic Artificial Christmas Tree with Multicolored Lights

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)Buy Now

    As an alternative to a live tree, which can be a fire hazard, and to even putting hot lights on an artificial tree, a fiber optic tree can be the perfect solution.

    An Alternative Christmas Tree Gallery 

    For Inspiration

    Here are some more pictures of creative and unusual Christmas trees. Love them or hate them, giggle at them or be inspired by them--whatever your reaction, I doubt it will be neutral!

    Look at this beauty to your right--a monument to tasteful recycling, it is even red and white (mostly) in honor of the season. link

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    a href=" //photobucket.com/images/unusual%20christmas%20tree" target="_blank">Dumpster Divers Christmas Tree Pictures, Images and Photos

    Gold spray paint makes everything look awesome and festive!
    little

    Note the use of the cat tree as the base. Ingenious!
    homemade christmas tree Pictures, Images and Photos

    Festive, and educational. Point to the circle, little Billy!
    Christmas Shape Tree - .25 Pictures, Images and Photos

    Words escape me--I believe this is an ode to an Oil Drum Christmas. Little Drummer Boy, perhaps?!
    Christmas Tree Pictures, Images and Photos

    Note the festive price tag, front and center!
    Christmas Tree Pictures, Images and Photos

    And this just in, from the use-what-you've-got camp: The 'nanner Christmas tree.
    Banana Christmas Tree Pictures, Images and Photos

    A bold choice, indeed: Baby-As-Tree.
    Our Little Christmas Tree! Pictures, Images and Photos

    Stand back and ponder the magnificence of the Ode to Mountain Dew tree.
    Redneck Christmas tree Pictures, Images and Photos

    Yes. These are beer kegs. Merry Christmas. God Bless us, Everyone. I love that the picture is a little blurry. It adds to the realism.
    Redneck Christmas Tree Pictures, Images and Photos

    Some majesty transcends words...
    beer tree Pictures, Images and Photos

    This one waters itself.
    Christmas Tree Pictures, Images and Photos

    The Bottle Tree: Space Saver Edition.
    christmas tree Pictures, Images and Photos

    I'm not even sure what to say about this one.


    Hope this guy NEVER has to go to the bathroom!


    The bottle brush tree. Make your own!

    Alternative--and Not So Alternative--Holiday Movies 

    I love movies. I could watch two movies a day every day. My husband generally does not share that same enthusiasm. However, during the holidays, we both like to watch a good holiday movie by the light of our snow-globe snow man.

    National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Special Edition)

    Maybe this isn't all about comfort and joy, but nothing makes me laugh harder than seeing Eddie wearing a white sweater with a black dickey drinking egg nog out of Wally World punch cups. Priceless. The Star Spangled Banner might just become your new favorite Christmas song!

    Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 07/11/2009) Buy Now

    Holiday Inn (Special Edition)

    This is where the song "White Christmas" comes from. It is worth it just to hear Bing Crosby sing!

    Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 07/11/2009) Buy Now

    A Charlie Brown Christmas

    Classic. Charlie Brown certainly picked an alternative Christmas tree!

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009) Buy Now

    A Christmas Story (Full-Screen Edition)

    I saw this when it came out in the theater. My friend, Nadine, and I laughed so hard that we hurt. Towards the end, a little kid began to cough and sneeze, and the whole theater missed the last couple of minutes of the film. Good times.

    Amazon Price: $13.49 (as of 07/11/2009) Buy Now

    The Holiday

    Sweet and mushy and definitely worth a look. Jack Black underplays his "Jack Black-ness" to great effect.

    Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 07/11/2009) Buy Now

    Enjoy This Ode to the Iconic Aluminum Christmas Tree 

    Why does have to be a tree be green? Or even made of organic material? Enjoy the swinging Sinatra soundtrack!
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    A Perfect Christmas Tree 

    If you're more in tune with the traditional...

    A Christmas story set in the Appalachian mountains of my home state, North Carolina, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree tells the story of Ruthie and her mom and their struggle to find the perfect Christmas tree for their town.

    Beautifully written by Gloria Houston and illustrated with lovely acrylics by Barbara Cooney, the story exists on many levels, as Ruthie and her mother each discover their own Christmas miracles. A story of traditions and family, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree is a welcome addition to anyone's holiday library.

    Vote for The Best Alternative Christmas Tree 

    Don't have room for a tree? Feeling a little less-than-in-the-holiday-spirit? Vote on the best alternative Christmas tree here. Add to it, if you've got a good one!

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    Black Cube Collection Storage & Wine Rack, Open

    Versatility at its best! Arrange these cube compon more...0 points

    Mini Lighted Christmas Tree (74717)

    Mini Lighted Christmas Tree (74717)

    Sold as each. Approx. 6" tall. Uses 1 "A more...0 points

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    24" Pre-Lit Cranberry Berry Double Ball Topiary Tree With Clear Lights #H89080

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    Seen Any Alternative Christmas Trees? 

    Have you seen any unconventional, odd or just plain strange Christmas trees? Send 'em in! Just want to leave a comment--feel free; glad you stopped by!

    ChineseKitesforKids wrote...

    What cool Christmas trees! I wonder who got the pleasure of drinking all those beers and mountain dews? Terrific lens! I love how you added the Christmas Story famous lamp...ha ha That was a good chuckle. An easy 5 stars for you as always! Good job, keep up the terrific work.

    I am entered in the Fresh Squid Contest for May, my lens Daycare School Online is tied for first place....every vote helps! Please check us out.

    ReplyPosted May 23, 2009

    AppalachianCountry wrote...

    Greaty lens. We decorate big for Christmas. We agree that gold spray paint makes everything look awesome. Thank-you for the wonderful pics.

    ReplyPosted May 19, 2009

    jenn_halls wrote...

    I have enjoyed this several times so far- it makes me LOL!

    ReplyPosted February 17, 2009

    jfield wrote...

    in reply to aj2008 Wow, that would be a really alternative tree! Glad it made you laugh:)

    ReplyPosted December 11, 2008

    aj2008 wrote...

    Ha ha! Made me laugh. By "wee bottle" do you mean a "small" bottle or one that is used in hospitals - tee hee! Hmm, I think I will stick to the very lifelike fake tree that we have....

    ReplyPosted December 11, 2008

     
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