This my first tree together with my husband and I’m so grateful we get to share it in our new home, representing the first of many holiday seasons where we’ve come to compromise! Growing up my family celebrated our own version of Christmukkah with a well adorned tree with a Star of David at the top, ornaments representing all the things we loved about the holidays and of course a menorah for the eight special nights.

Although my husband didn’t grow up remembering the Russian New Year trees his family cherished before coming to the United States, he did know of their existence and was willing to reestablish the tradition now.

Fortunately, we we’re both in favor of blue and white!

I’m sure my finding him a grey goose ornament helped, in addition to blue and white Russian babushka eggs to reinforce the New Year theme.

I of course found myself in the little sushi, champagne and ramen ornaments I couldn’t resist.

All topped off of course with a little blue bow, fastened out of a spool of baby blue velvet ribbon. The signature touch of myself I couldn’t help giving, in keeping with the thematic guidelines. 

And it wouldn’t be a truly blue and white anything without a piece of Wedgwood jasperware, and perhaps I’d loose my right to self identify as a #GrandMillennial, so I found this vintage ornament depicting some cute polar bears having fun in snow. I also hung the white dove my mother gave me this year, a centerpiece of our childhood trees growing up.

Of course our pups needed representation of their own, so I decided on a feisty little fox to resemble Muffy and a highly desirable squirrel for Pearl.

We didn’t let them get too close for obvious reasons but they seem to appreciate the gesture.

Underneath the tree I decided to fill up on ginger jars instead of the presents I haven’t bought yet, and most likely won’t be wrapping, given most will be sent via UPS this year unfortunately!