Three years ago, rather than do what I'd *always* done and pull out a multitude of shiny Rubbermaid bins filled to the brim with everything under the sun that was sparkly, colorful, and very "Santa"- I decided to simplify. I decided to march down into my backyard, chop down a pine sapling, throw one strand of oversized-bulb lights on it, and call it a day. I did this for three reasons I'd like to share now, hoping that any of you that may be feeling a heart-call to do things just a little differently this year, might be encouraged that you are not alone. 

1. It's cheaper. Now, one might argue that using an artificial tree that you simply store each year, along with all of your ornaments is just a one-time investment- not an annual expense. But, I'd challenge you that in the Pin-crazy age we live in, none of us just use the same old stuff from last year.