Tinsel Tree Takeover: Why I Said YES to Sparkle (Against Tanner's Will, lol)

Okay you guys, let's talk Christmas trees. Specifically, *our* Christmas tree this year. If you saw my post, you know I went a little… sparkly. And by a little, I mean a lot. Like, full-on tinsel explosion. And yes, it was against Tanner's will. Hahahah. But idc, I love it sm, and honestly, sometimes you just gotta follow your heart, even if your husband gives you *that* look. You know the one. :,)

I feel like the holidays are all about magic, right? And for me, this year, that magic felt like a shimmering, nostalgic, tinsel-covered tree. It just felt *right*. And now that it's up and sparkling, I couldn't imagine it any other way. It's truly heaven on earth fr.

The Tinsel Vision: Where Did This Even Come From?

So, I know tinsel can be a little… polarizing. Some people love it, some people think it's super old school or messy. And tbh, I get it. For a long time, I probably fell into the 'maybe not for me' camp. But then something shifted. I started seeing these glimpses of vintage Christmas photos, and there was always this beautiful, ethereal sparkle from the tinsel. It wasn't the chunky, plastic-y stuff I remembered from childhood; it was delicate, light-catching strands that just made everything feel dreamy.

I think it was a mix of wanting something a little different this year, and also just feeling really nostalgic. With Stella, Ozzy, and baby Cherry, every year feels like a new chapter, and I wanted to bring a little bit of that old-school wonder into our home for them. I wanted them to look at the tree and just see pure, unadulterated magic. And what's more magical than a tree that literally glitters from every angle? Nothing, that's what. :,)

Tanner's Initial Reaction (Bless His Heart)

Okay, so let's address the elephant in the room, or rather, the tinsel in the living room. Tanner. My sweet, practical, sometimes-a-little-too-serious husband. When I first brought up the idea of a tinsel tree, his face was a picture. I swear I saw a little bit of his soul leave his body. Hahahah.

He was like, “Lo, tinsel? Really? Isn't that… messy? And doesn't it get everywhere?” And I was like, “Yes, probably! But it'll be beautiful!” He tried to reason with me, talked about the vacuum cleaner, the cats (we don't have cats, but he was really reaching, bless him), the fact that it's 'out of style.' And I just listened, nodded, and then went and bought all the tinsel anyway. Bc sometimes, you just gotta do what makes your heart happy, even if it's against your husband's will. And honestly, he's such a good sport. He knows by now that when I get an idea in my head, there's usually no stopping me. And deep down, I think he secretly loves it now too. He hasn't complained about the vacuuming yet! (Fingers crossed.)

Making It Work: How We Tinselled Our Tree

So, for anyone out there who's feeling a little inspired to embrace the sparkle, here's how we did it. It's not rocket science, but there are a few things I learned along the way.

Choosing the Right Tinsel

This is key! Don't just grab the first cheap tinsel you see. I looked for the finer, more delicate strands. The kind that almost looks like spun glass. It catches the light so much better and gives that really soft, ethereal glow instead of a harsh, plasticky shine. I got a mix of silver and a super subtle iridescent kind, and it's just *chef's kiss*.

Layering Is Your Friend

You can't just throw a few strands on and call it a day. For that full, dreamy effect, you need to layer. We started at the top and worked our way down, draping the tinsel over the branches. I tried to make it look natural, like snow falling, rather than perfectly placed. Some pieces are longer, some shorter, and that's what gives it that organic, whimsical feel.

Don't Forget the Lights

The tinsel really comes alive with the lights! We have warm white lights on our tree, and they just make the tinsel shimmer and glow in the most beautiful way. It's like a thousand tiny stars twinkling. When the room is dark and only the tree lights are on, it's seriously breathtaking. The girls just stand there staring at it, and my heart just melts. :,)

Mixing in Other Ornaments

Even though the tinsel is definitely the star of the show this year, we still hung our favorite ornaments. The ones the girls made, the ones from our first Christmas, the ones that remind us of special memories. The tinsel acts almost like a beautiful backdrop, making all the other ornaments pop even more. It's a really cool contrast between the sparkly newness and the sentimental oldies.

Why This Tree Just Feels Different This Year

Beyond the sparkle and the slight marital disagreement (hahah), this tree feels special because it's a reminder to embrace joy and a little bit of whimsy. As moms, we're always trying to make things perfect, or follow trends, or do what everyone else is doing. But sometimes, it's okay to just do what makes *you* happy, what brings *you* that little spark of magic.

For me, this tinsel tree is a symbol of that. It's a little bit unconventional, a little bit bold, and a whole lot of fun. And seeing Stella, Ozzy, and Cherry's faces light up when they look at it? That's everything. That's what the holidays are all about. Creating those core memories, those feelings of wonder, that they'll carry with them forever.

I also think it's a nod to my own childhood. My mom, bless her heart, she always made Christmas feel so magical, even when things were tough. She always found a way to make our home feel special. And maybe this tinsel tree is my way of channeling a little bit of that same spirit for my girls. Bringing back a little bit of that old-school charm, but with our own Lo & Tanner twist.

Embrace Your Own Holiday Whimsy

So, if you're out there wondering if you should try something different with your holiday decor this year, I'm here to tell you: DO IT. Whether it's a tinsel tree, or a rainbow tree, or a tree covered in only handmade ornaments, or no tree at all! Do what feels right for your family, for your home, for your heart.

Don't worry about what's 'in style' or what anyone else thinks. This is *your* holiday season, *your* family's memories. And if a little bit of sparkle (or a lot!) makes you smile, then that's all that matters. Tanner eventually came around, and now he even says it looks 'pretty cool' when the lights are on. :,) So, take that as your sign! Go forth and decorate with wild abandon. And if your significant other gives you *that* look, just tell them Lo Beeston said it was okay. Hahahah. Happy decorating, everyone! ILY! ❤