Barton has ‘decked the halls’ to the tune of 17 Christmas trees. From the “family tree”, the grand display by her fireplace adorned with pictures of family and friends, to the “UK tree” that is covered in game memorabilia; there’s a little something for everyone (except maybe a Tennessee Volunteers fan).
While most people are still settling into the idea of autumn, on October 1, Barton sets in on her holiday decorating. Her husband, Allen hauls out furniture and brings in practically enough Christmas decorations to stock store shelves for a whole season. Barton begins the task of decorating four trees per week at that point, and keeps it up until the production is complete.
In the center of the home is the “nativity tree”, Barton says that it is the “meaning of Christmas tree” and on that tree is her very favorite ornament of all: A tiny nativity scene ornament given to Barton by her piano students. The ornament is actually from the city of Bethlehem and is made from the wood of an olive tree.
“I enjoy doing this,” Barton said. “But that’s not why I do it, I want to honor the reason for Christmas in doing this.” Barton went on to quote the following scripture, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins,” from the book of Matthew. She says that this bible verse resonates with her as she prepares her home for Christmas.
As you travel past the “family tree” and the “nativity tree”, you come to the “wedding tree” decorated with items from or reminiscent of Barton’s daughter, Nicole Mike’s wedding. Barton covered the tree in pink rose petals, like Nicole’s wedding day. The bride’s shoe and garter are among the ornaments, and the tree is topped with the original cake topper. It truly is a unique take on displaying keepsakes from a special day.
In Barton’s powder room, a tiny “makeup tree” takes girlie to the extreme. From tubes of lipstick to powder puffs and perfume, the “makeup tree” is perhaps the most creative decoration, if not, the most feminine!
Barton calls the holiday decorating her hobby and laughs because, “It just grew and grew.” She now has groups of people touring her home just to be blessed by the spirit of Christmas that lives there (and maybe to borrow a few ideas for their own homes). She says that a friend of hers, Melissa Hensley inspired her to go to such measures, and now Barton inspires others.
Barton’s friend, Teacher Thomasa Risner, brings her classes to tour Linda’s home., and recently, Middlesboro resident and retired teacher Billie Booth brought the garden club to visit.
Although the grandeur of Christmas pervades every room of Barton’s home already, she says that what she really looks forward to is the tree that she will decorate in honor of her first grandchild, the “baby tree”. Even though there are no grandchildren yet and none on the way, she’s already been scoping out ideas at The Christmas Place.
Brandy Calvert is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. Contact her via e-mail at bmurray@middlesborodailynews.com.
Post a Comment
