Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Red Beret at Christmas

Red-beret

We are on our way to Paris for a few days, and then French Husband's family in Rennes for Christmas.

Hence our Christmas tree is still under the stairwell… I told our friends who are staying at our home for Christmas, "If you want a Christmas Tree ours is hiding under the stairs." They thought I was teasing. Then I added, "The red wine polka dots stains on the chimney are leftovers from Santa last year." They looked at each other than at me, "Corey are you okay?"

"I have never felt better. I survived not putting up a Christmas tree and left the red wine stains without guilt. God it feels good to be free to be myself even when it isn't often perfect," then I added, "Anyway, the tree is under the stairs in case you want it, and if you want to clean the wine stains read my yesterday's comments on my blog…. there is good advice about stain removal."

—————-

Anyway, I am giving five red berets away because Christmas time is coming, we are in Paris, and because YOU are so very generous to read and respond to my blog after all these years! Thank you for your amazing friendship!

If you would like a chance at a red beret add your name to the comment section and let me know what is on top of your Christmas tree. (Maybe next year it will be a red beret!)

Comments

235 responses to “Red Beret at Christmas”

  1. herhimnbryn

    Can’t even say our tree is under the stairs! Didn’t get a tree this year. So, I have a mantle shelf full of cards and glittering candles instead.
    Hmm, a red beret. Cher Corey, I shall be in Paris next May and this 50 year old would look ok in a red beret!
    Happy Christmas to you and yours.

    Reply
  2. midwesttomidlands

    A pathetic red bow on top of our tree. A red beret would look fanastique! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  3. Jeanne

    Hats off to you my darling and have a good good time away at Christmas.
    Life is not perfect but a gift to be treasured……..
    I love you
    Kisses
    Jeanne♥

    Reply
  4. Jeanne

    An Angel with the colours of Hungary in her dress adorn the top of our tree inside
    and outside on our porch our tree has a silver sparkly star on top.
    I love you
    Hats off to you
    Red is my colour this year.
    Love you
    Ruby Tuesday
    Kisses♥

    Reply
  5. Merisi

    On top of my Christmas tree?
    Soon, I hope, the handmade felt angel our son made when he was about six years old, old enough to realize that his mom’s tree was the only one around without a tree topper!
    A Merry Christmas in Paris to you,
    my it be the best ever,
    hugs,
    Merisi

    Reply
  6. Helen

    Oh my – an authentic French Red Beret!!! I wish for one of these….
    My tree this year blew in to our property in gale force winds – a beautiful dead branch from a willow tree next door landed on the lawn! It is now hung with little wooden ornaments and on top a gorgeous tin red Angel holding a star.
    Wishing you a very special Christmas full of love and joy.

    Reply
  7. Maggie.F

    Hi!Corey,
    Merry X’mas!!!
    What a classic red beret!
    It’s rare to find a christmas tree to be placed at home here-in Hong Kong.
    I have a little transluent christmas tree,filled with tiny crystal ball, on top of the tree,there’s a family photo.

    Reply
  8. le petit cabinet de curiosites

    On the top of my christmas tree there is a pink star !!I wish a merry christmas , have a good trip to Paris and be careful. Can’t wait to know what you will have under your Rennes’ christmas tree

    Reply
  9. Gracie

    A classic glass pointed top in red and gold….it was my daughter’s first Christmas when we bought it, I hope it will last long.
    A Merry Christmas to you and your family Corey.

    Reply
  10. Irina

    wonderful give away, Corey!! love berets!
    on top of my Christmas tree is a European style glass top, you know, the one that looks like three parts – two balls and the pointed end. they finally have it in hong kong.
    have a very merry Christmas and enjoy your time in Paris!

    Reply
  11. Erin Wilson (wilsonian)

    🙂 I don’t actually put up a Christmas tree. I put up a Christmas guitar. 12 string. Hangs on the wall, decorated with garland, lights and ornaments. It started out years ago as an attempt at redeeming a bad guitar purchase, and now…? Now I can’t imagine ever doing it differently. Love that Christmas guitar 🙂
    Oh, so there really isn’t anything at the top, other than the top of the guitar neck.

    Reply
  12. Laurie

    Merry Merry Corey
    This year I’m reusing two jewelry fixtures as my Christmas trees stuffed with lights. At the top of each is a small feather tree.
    Would love to have a beret for next year’s topper.
    Blessings
    Laurie

    Reply
  13. Laura

    On top of my tree is a star made out of sheet music! I would love a red beret! I love Paris! (was there once 10 years ago)….hope you are having a wonderful time!!! Merry Christmas Corey to you and your family!

    Reply
  14. michele jones

    Presently a wonderful worn,very old top hat! I think it would be grand to change one hat out for another; especially, a red beret! michele jones

    Reply
  15. Paula

    Unfortunately mine is not up either. Neighbour downstairs informed me the other day she has a leak from her ceiling. My plumber can’t find any water leaks in my kitchen and tells me the floor will have to be taken up!!! No probs says I, will call insurance company. Insurance company inform me since I do not have water escaping in my flat I don’t have a claim!!!! Fraid Christmas might have to be put on hold for me! As Jeanne says “life is not perfect” ! But here’s hoping!
    Merry Christmas to you and your family Corey, have a wonderful one.
    PS If I do get my tree up, on top will be a beautiful silver star. One I can wish on.

    Reply
  16. Susan F.

    On top of our tree is a grapevine star intertwined with white lights. I would love a red beret – SO festive and cheerful.
    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  17. Chris

    Have fun in Paris!
    Our tree’s top features a gold star that doesn’t light up (much to the chagrin of my children).
    Happy Christmas!

    Reply
  18. mopsy

    we have 23 inches of snow…and it doesn’t look like it will go away soon…we are tucked away safe and sound but we can not get out of the drive way to go get the festive palm tree we always use for Christmas ! You will find us here with our glasses of red wine and candles and happy as any snowed in people can be !

    Reply
  19. Betty

    A handmade angel–she’s so ugly she’s pretty. She has lots of years of wear and that makes her just right for the Christmas tree at our home

    Reply
  20. Cristina

    Merry Christmas Corey. Although we have many many trees in our home I did not put all of the decorations up nor will I entertain as much as I usually do. Seems that I am not alone this year. I love Christmas but we will be having a wedding this summer and I have been concentrating on getting the house prepared for that so Christmas kinda snuck up on me. On top of my tree, well on one tree I have a beautiful star another has a magnificent angel the kitchen tree has beautiful wooden snowflakes. On our giant 12 foot memory tree that has all the kids ornaments reigns Santa. The little tree in the library has feathers and the bedroom tree has a beautiful bow. If, my dear Corey, who I have my morning coffee with every morning, I would be so lucky as to win a beautiful red french beret, you can just bet it will find its way on top of a tree at Christmas time! Wishing you all the joys of the Christmas Season and aNew Year filled with health, happiness, good fortune and much love. Cristina

    Reply
  21. Linderhof@classicnet.net

    The top of our tree is the ceiling — it is so tall that it touches the ceiling and there is no room to put anything up there. However, a red beret would be flat enough that it might, just might, be able to squeeze between tree top and ceiling!

    Reply
  22. Julie Ann

    Im not entering. Christina has it – wow !!! Enjoy Paris – in the snow perhaps ? Jx

    Reply
  23. jann

    Oh I love the red beret!
    On top of my Christmas tree is a
    sweet angel with little lights
    under her skirt. She has been with
    us for many years and is ever so happy
    to be taken out of the storage box and
    shine from the top of the tree each
    December. Wishing you and your family
    a happy and blessed Christmas.
    Jann

    Reply
  24. Janell

    On the top of my tree is a silk red poinsettia flower I found at a craft store. My tree is focused on red and gold and white and it is wonderful-all twinkly. I would love a red beret-all things red are marvelous to me. Merry Christmas Corey-

    Reply
  25. Paulita

    I loved reading about everyone’s unique Christmas trees and ideas. A top hat, a guitar, a branch that blew in from a neighbor’s yard. I’m so boring in comparison. I have one of those clear glass ornaments with the two balls and the point on top. It hardly seems fair that such creative people get the beret too. Maybe a red beret on my head or on my tree would switch on my more inventive side! Merry Christmas.

    Reply
  26. elle

    35 years ago I worked in a small Catholic hospital in Mississippi. My first Christmas there, one of the “retired nuns”, Sister Mary Pat, made croheted angels for all employees. It must have tken her an entire year to complete them! I put that on “my” very first Christmas tree–and have every year since. I have tried several times to replace her, but just can’t seem to bring myself. She’s a little crumpled now and her halo is crooked, but she is still up there on top of the tree–looking over all of us.
    Merry Christmas Corey!!

    Reply
  27. Sandy

    On top of my tree rests a handmade collage 3D paper star edged in vintage glass glitter and featuring a little bird stamp. The star is entwined in twigs that sprout from a white washed birds nest where two perfect little wooden eggs are nestled among tiny feathers.
    I hope your family has safe travel and a very Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  28. Susan

    Corey, first time in several years I have put up a tree. I know where you are coming from. Only a snowflake on the top this year, a red one, but gosh, a red beret would be so lovely. Maybe next year I will be a French-themed tree. That would be lovely. Drive safely and enjoy your family.

    Reply
  29. Jeni

    Have a Merry time in Paris, and I wish you and your family all the joy this season has to give!
    My tree is not up this year. We were going away, then yesterday the plans suddenly changed, hence no decorations. Now, the Mother-in-law is flying up tomorrow! Well… I will have to pull a rabbit out of a hat, or better yet, we will live simply this year. IF I hap put up a tree, it would have a handmade sparkly gold star that the kids made when the were little. I’m trying my best to go with the flow, and keep the christmas spirit! I’m so happy to be with my kids home from college. Being with the ones you love, thats what it’s all about!
    A red beret would bring a little cheer! I think we all get a fun attitude when we put on a red beret.
    Thank you for bringing joy to your friends every day of the year!
    Cheers, Jeni

    Reply
  30. Evelyn Jackson

    Merry Christmas, Corey. I’d love a red beret. Here’s a thought…for everyone who doesn’t win one…maybe you could buy a bunch and sell in your online store?
    This year my trees all have a postcard theme. I’ve hung postcards I’ve received from around the world on my big tree along with ornaments I’ve collected from travel destinations. At the top? a terra cotta dove painted turquoise, orange, umber that I bought from a favoraite ceramist in Provence.

    Reply
  31. Laure

    What a fun giveaway and so Christmassy! Do hope you have a marvelous time in Paris and the very best of Christmas and the New Year!! And yes, I would love to receive one of your red berets!
    Our Christmas tree usually has a gold star that lights up……but the faeries have are being naughty and have removed the base of the star from the box! They’ve done a wonderful job of hiding it because we can’t locate it and they don’t seem inclined to give it back! Without the base the star cannot stand.
    Soooooo, it looks like it may be a bow or a star that does not light up instead! Time for a change………

    Reply
  32. Deb Smithson

    Merry Christmas Corey to you and yours. Have a wonderful time in Paris! How could you not? This year we ‘made a tree’ with a bundle of curly oak branches, decorated with mercury globes, silver initials of our names and twinkly white lights. The top is adorned with a string of red sequined stars all joined together with a gold cord. Beautiful! Red Beret? One of these days! All the best in the New Year … I’m thankful for the light and the laughter you bring in to each day …

    Reply
  33. Paula S In New Mexico

    Have a wonderful holiday, Corey.
    My tree is topped with a vintage punched tin star.

    Reply
  34. Debbie

    I have a single white light at the top of my tree….and it twinkles at night just like a star. 🙂

    Reply
  35. Miz Booshay

    Nothing is on the top of my tree.
    Usually an angel.
    Christmas blessings, Corey!
    Love
    Donna

    Reply
  36. Jen

    If I HAD a Christmas tree, there would be a menorrah on top of it! ;o)
    Merry Christmas, Corey!XOOXOX

    Reply
  37. Rhonda

    Our Christmas tree has a beautiful angel on top. Our friend, Allen noticed it Sunday at our Holiday party and no one else did. What a guy.
    A red beret that this 50 something could wear and compare it to the beret I wore in a picture when I was 5 years old. My Mother dressed us like little French girls.

    Reply
  38. Melanie

    Oooh, a red beret!
    I have two Christmas trees … One is topped with a starfish and the other with a snowflake.

    Reply
  39. Elizabeth

    In the place of a Christmas tree this year, I have a Christmas bowl! It is a large bowl on a pedestal, with curvy handles, which I filled with lights. I have lights EVERYWHERE. The red beret would fit right in.
    MERRY CHRISTMAS!

    Reply
  40. Linda C.

    Hi Corey, have a wonderful time in Paris with your family. Best wishes to all.
    I don’t remember how I came upon your blog, but that was my lucky day, so no need for a red beret..My tree is not up, but I am suffering terribly from the guilts. It’s too big, I’m too short & my Christmas elves, aka daughters , have not been here to help. Perhaps, maybe,.. a la domaine?
    Thank you.

    Reply
  41. AmandaMay

    We have C-3PO from Star Wars on the top of our tree this year. He is wearing a stocking on his head and a red ribbon belt! Maybe not my first choice, but when my (Star Wars fan) sweetheart takes an interest in such things I enjoy letting him be creative! Plus, C-3PO has a friendly, caring personality; I don’t mind associating that with Christmas 🙂
    Merry Christmas to you and your family, Corey! I hope you have safe travels, a wonderful Holiday, and the happiest of New Years!

    Reply
  42. Sallie

    We have a small porcelained face angel in a silver dress holding a single light on top of our tree. She’s been our topper for a while and is very sentimental, for no other reason than a group of friends gave her (and all our decorations including a tree) to us in Japan. We had no other decorations because our box had been left behind in storage accidentally when the military moved us overseas.
    Praying you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!!

    Reply
  43. Jackie

    An angel made from old cotton batting, she still has bits of glitter here and there…

    Reply
  44. nancy from mass

    A very Merry Christmas to your family, Corey.
    On top of my tree is a porcelain angel that my parents gave me a year or so before my father passed away. It goes on our tree every year.

    Reply
  45. Ellen

    On top of our tree is a 24 year old angel we have used since our first Christmas together! She is still very lovely. We write a name on her box each year when we take down the tree for the child whose turn it is to put her on top of the next year’s tree. On my smaller tree I have a capiz shell star. Your Christmas plans sound wonderful – you will not need a tree for a special Christmas with your family. May you have a sweet and fun-memory-making Christmas!

    Reply
  46. Holly

    Merry Christmas Corey, have a spendid time in Paris! Atop our tree is a genuine bird nest… straight from California’s Mendocino Forest.

    Reply
  47. Elizabeth

    Ha wel ours has still the blue tag of the gardencentre on top! The tree is decorated for a couple of weeks now but the thing is still not removed. Every time I feed the little one I see the darn thing and plan to cut it off after the feeding. Needless to say it’s still there… (pregnancy took away my memory) Good thing I decorated the tree in blue!!
    Enjoy Paris!
    Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones

    Reply
  48. Julie Loeschke

    Probably dust! I didn’t put the tree up this year,either. My husband had his second hip replaced a week ago, and I took tree trimming off my list! We will spend this Christmas enjoying our boys (men :)) and just being on the road to wholeness. Merry Christmas to all! Bless His holy name!

    Reply
  49. Dee

    An Angel on top of one tree and a willow branch with a birds nest on top of my other tree.

    Reply
  50. Vicki

    Joyeux Noel Corey!!! A beautiful metal crown (that I bought in Paris)adorns the top of my tree paired with feathers!!! Enjoy the holidays and blessings to all of your family in 2010!!!

    Reply
  51. Nancy in Az

    Merry Christmas Corey! You have inspired me to look to the top of my hall closet and dig out my red beret. I will wear it and dream of Paris at Christmas time.
    I tried something different this year and put sparkly gold small branches around the top. I like the effect when the tree lights are on and the house lights are low.

    Reply
  52. carol eldridge

    Our tree is tiny this year since our girls are not going to be home for christmas. But, on the top is the white felt star I made when they were little girls. Each year we would take turns with who got to put the star up on the top. It is a little sad now, getting older and not as strong as it once was, but it is our special star on our tree and nothing good be more beautiful except adding a red beret to the top!
    Happy Holidays!
    carol

    Reply
  53. Leslie Goodell

    This year I had the joy of my grandchildren helping put up the Christmas.Without their help it would still be in the box and just maybe I would have put it up.So their choice for the top is a glittery snowflake.

    Reply
  54. Ardi

    Yes, please, add my name to the list. On the top of our tree is a “drunken” angel with a tiny bell. She normally stands tall, but we got an artificial tree and it seems that she’s “a little pudgy” and too heavy for the tiny sprig at the top to support. So when we take the tree down we’ll wire the top so next year it won’t look like she’s been out “on a toot”. Happy Christmas in Paris!!

    Reply
  55. amy m

    ahhh yes to just be and enjoy the season..Merry Christmas friend. how lovely to spend it in paris and that the tree is still under the stairwell:) atop my tree a simple silver star. I have always said now if only i had a red beret! xoxo

    Reply
  56. Aimee Suzanne

    I was so *happy* to read your post this morning, as I have not put up our Christmas tree, either!!!! And now, I’m not going to!
    I wanted to, oh yes I did, but I have been overly ambitious with making all my gifts this year, and since we will be gone the entire holiday. . .well, it ain’t happening.
    And it’s a funny phenomenon here in the USA. . .women are the only creatures available to put out Christmas! Imagine that!
    But *IF* I had a tree, I would surely want to put a *RED* beret at the top!
    But sadly, I have neither. . .
    🙂
    Aimee Suzanne

    Reply
  57. Jill Flory

    Oh Corey, I love you! You always make me smile:)
    Top of my tree is a cheap light up star. Not fancy, but my girls love it:)
    I’d LOVE to put a red beret on top next year!!!
    Jill

    Reply
  58. molly

    an angel that we’ve had since like 1982….

    Reply
  59. Deborah Miller

    On the top of our tree there is a stained glass star. My four year old daughter Joanna calls berets Paris hats because my oldest son Andrew brought her one from Paris in 08. Bon Noel Corey!!!!!

    Reply
  60. Nancy

    Merry Christmas, Corey!
    I had decided I wouldn’t put up a Christmas tree this year, but I overheard my grandchildren saying they couldn’t wait for Christmas at our house, and how beautiful my tree always is, so up went the tree. They came over and helped me decorate it. They all three had a chance to put the angel on top!
    Nancy

    Reply
  61. marlis

    Oh I would love a red beret! It’s been so long since I’ve had one, it would go on the top of the tree! let me see, the big tree has a burst of stars.. the small one an angel and the one in the hallway has a very european looking tree topper, those long things for which you have to have a perfect top! I did get up a tree this year and last, but the year before that no tree and no excuses..
    Safe travels, have fun looking at the windows in Paris.. share with us what the Galleries did for their window displays this year 🙂

    Reply
  62. Lorelei

    Happy Holidays Corey! My tree topper is a white light-up star.
    All the best Lorelei………

    Reply
  63. patricia mallory

    The last six weeks have been a train wreck for me so I was unable to put up a tree also. But if I had… on top would be a beautiful little angel with a cracked face. She was on my Mom and Dad’s first tree. Happy Holidays (without guilt), Patricia
    ps…the red beret would be smashing on top of my head!LOL

    Reply
  64. Rex

    Like you, our tree is staying hidden this year. The tree comes out once every three years. My wife and I take turns spending the holidays with our respective families. This year we’ll be in Windsor, Ontario. Next year in Vancouver, B.C. And then it will be back in our home in Calgary, Alberta, the following year. The Christmas tree makes the occasion festive, but what’s more important is that we spend it with the people we love and remember what Christmas is all about.
    Have a wonderful time with your family in Paris. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  65. Deborah

    We do not have a tree up, but I love the stars or angels on top. But a red beret would be pretty cute, too! Happy Christmas, Corey!

    Reply
  66. Sarah N

    On top of our tree is a big peppermint candy snowflake ornament.
    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  67. Julie Couch

    Our tree has a gold twig star at the top.

    Reply
  68. Penny

    Atop our tree facing the road where we view deer and hawks and horses trotting by, we have one tree that instantly became what we call a wildlife tree the first year we moved here. It is adorned with birds and bears, beavers and squirrels, fox and penguins, and even Snoopy! Atop it rests a lifelike crow trailing a beautiful red satin ribbon he must have plucked from a present one year.
    I would love a red beret to keep me warm here in our midwestern winters and to slip inside my wildlife tree as we dream of white Christmases each year to come and tell the story of how it came to be.

    Reply
  69. The Brocantess

    Hmmmm, thanks to my tardiness in returning from France 😉 my tree is standing with nothing but a black silk tophat on it!
    Enjoy your time away and make sure that someone else drives 🙂

    Reply
  70. becky up a hill

    A star, that looks vintage. Its white and looks like pressed tin. I love it!

    Reply
  71. Becky F

    Merry Christmas Corey and best wishes for a beautiful holiday with your family. Atop my tree is a red and gold velvet loopy bow. Becky

    Reply
  72. Kirsten

    Thank you, thank you, thank you! You’re telling me it’s OK, I can just let go… whew! I am up early to bake before leaving for work– which I will still do, but I will take the rest of the day a bit lighter in spirit– even if I don’t get to everything! My tree is topped with a gorgeous little angel from Nuremburg, Germany- a gift from my sister 25 years ago, right after my son was born. Nothing can ever replace it — not even a red beret. But, after seeing the red Beret in the photo, I realize it is the perfect holiday accessory– What a dash of cheer!
    Merry Christmas, Corey. And as I drive past Willows tomorrow on my way to Weed, I will wave and send best wishes to your family!

    Reply
  73. Kris

    Ahhh, Paris!!! I have an angel on top of my tree, that my dear friend Maryrose made for me years ago. I would love to win one of your red berets! Merry Christmas!!!

    Reply
  74. Lorelei

    We always have two trees – one in the living room (with a lighted star on top) and a pink decorated one in the bedroom (with an vintage pink and gold corsage on top). The corsage was part of a gift from my sister when I turned 13 and she gave me a wallet. The package was wrapped in gold foil with the pink and gold corsage. I remember it as if it were yesterday instead of 42 years ago. My first adult gift.

    Reply
  75. Jeanette Mc.

    Ahhhh, to be in Paris right now……….a girl can dream. We have our trees up but nothing on top and no ornaments – just white lights. I’m a simple gal. Happy Travels Corey.

    Reply
  76. Erin

    safe travels and have a most wonderful time with family.
    my tree has a beautiful angel atop it…
    erin

    Reply
  77. Sheala

    On the top of my Christmas Tree is an antique glass tree topper that belonged to my great grandfather. In fact,,,, the whole tree belonged to him. He just up and went and bought it one day along with a kit to make ornaments. It is short only about two feet tall, and covered with lights, antique ornaments, as well as ones he made.
    PS ~ Hope I win a berret! Merry Christmas, I wish you all the best ♥

    Reply
  78. Stephanie M.

    Our topper is my husbands lighted flocked Santa that he had as a child. We love it and the memories. Hope to pass it on to our grandson someday (he’s 8).
    Enjoy your trip and for a lark put up the tree in Feb. LOL

    Reply
  79. carole

    Hi Corey:
    Yes, put me in for a red beret.
    I have no Christmas tree as my almost 5 month old grand daughter is our “tree” : )
    She would be the recipient of the red beret : )
    I will e-mail you a current photo of her in her red Christmas outfit.
    have a wonderful holiday in the city of lights. I remember the fun I had in Paris Christmas and New Year of 1999 and 2000 : )
    Peace & Love
    carole

    Reply
  80. Janet

    Our Christmas tree topper is also a Santa! I came from a family of ornament tree toppers but when I started to put it up in our first year, my then almost husband looked at me and said “My family always put a Santa on top of the tree.” A Santa convert I became. (And even more amazed that I found a Santa tree topper!)
    By the way, what is going on that so many people know how to get red wine stains off walls?

    Reply
  81. kelleyn

    Sounds wonderful to be in Paris during the holidays. I am sure it is gorgeous! On top of my tree is a wooden star made from branches that are twisted and spray painted Gold given to me by my mother-in-law from Germany. Please pick me! I have always wanted a beree! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  82. Star

    Merry Christmas and safe travels, Corey.
    We just have lights and ornaments on our tree this year (but it’s up!) so there is nothing special on top, just one of the lights. But a red beret would be the perfect topper for next year 🙂

    Reply
  83. Alexis

    All my life we’ve always had angels on top of our trees, with lots of ornaments and lights all over. 🙂

    Reply
  84. Debra P.

    Corey, after the modern art layed on the floor for a week, it was reinserted into it’s stand and the decorations went back on . . .next, we topped it with our traditional large christmas tree which has a big star on top . . .possibly large enough to guide the wise men. This christmas tree was not intended to be a topper, but my children and I love it so much, that with it’s special meaning claimed it’s important spot. Bought at a craft fair and made by a local artisan, it is constructed of mixed paper media with sequins, jewels, ribbons, beading, and doilie parts. The large gold star on top of it is the best part.
    Thanks for gifting five of us lucky blog readers. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  85. liz

    Corey, my bittersweet wishes are on the top of my Christmas tree, which is in the loft and will remain so. The trees I celebrate this season are topped by snow and berries and squirrels nests and waylaid wrens.

    Reply
  86. Gail

    I’d love a red beret. There is nothing on top of my tree. I stopped putting one up 4 years ago. Instead we have used a potted plant and put lights on it. This year someone gave my son an 18″ live tree. It was already decorated, so this year we do have one. Nothing on top.
    hugs,
    Gail

    Reply
  87. Shirley M.

    The red berets are great!
    A small star tops my small tree.
    I wish you, your family and Annie a very merry Christmas.
    Shirley M. Atlanta, GA.

    Reply
  88. Kas

    Happy Christmas Corey!
    Our kitties are still young enough to try to eat the tree. Which proves not so good for their tummies and leaves lots for us to clean up so sadly, we can not put up a tree this year. We are decorating in other festive and beautiful ways though just not anything with pine needles that the kitty sisters can reach.

    Reply
  89. Marlene Brady

    Thank you for the opportunity to share and enter. I hand beaded a 14″ Christmas tree that has a glistening star atop it. It took many hours beading the branches that twist and turn and create a symmetry of its own-much like life. The star symbolizes hope for me. Wishing you many moments of joy with your family.

    Reply
  90. Joan

    I would love a red beret! There is nothing on top of my tree yet. It is only decorated up to as far as a 5′ 4″ person can reach (tree is 9 feet tall) and I haven’t gotten out the ladder yet to put the gold glass star on top. At least almost all the gifts are bought and wrapped. No food planning done yet. My 3 helper elves have all moved out….

    Reply
  91. Jill

    I think next year we might leave our tree under the stairwell, and decorate the house without it. But this year it’s up, and on top is a very sweet, glittered, crooked star made by our 4-year-old grandson.

    Reply
  92. Bonnie Buckingham

    My daughter would LOVE a red beret from France! She decorated our tree ( she’s 12 but looks like 16…you know how that goes ) and my mother’s angel that lights up holding candles is on top. Very special that we got that after she died 6 years ago on Dec. 23.
    It was a bit like your dad with time given to us in the fall before she had that Christmas in heaven. You are a blessing. Enjoy food, feasting and most of all the Joy of the Lord Jesus in Paris.

    Reply
  93. Sarah

    my tree isn’t under the stairs, but it’s still in the closet. So like you nothing is on the top of my tree!!

    Reply
  94. missy from the bayou

    Merry,Merry Christmas to you and yours!!
    My daughter and her husband are spending their first Christmas of marriage in Paris.
    He is stationed in England. I am so very happy for them. I will tell her to watch for your red beret!

    Reply
  95. missy from the bayou

    oops forgot to say– on top the tree this year a huge beautiful red ribbon handmade from a dear friend. She knew I was having a hard time this Christmas (husband died in June). The tree only has lights-that’s as far as I could go but her gift of the ribbon sits on top to remind me that God’s love is our greatest gift.

    Reply
  96. Kathleen in Oregon

    Merry Christmas Corey!
    We have a silver star on top of our tree.

    Reply
  97. Carolyn Mallin

    Ohhhh A red beret!!! Red is my favorite color.
    Have a wonderful time in Paris. It sounds magical.
    Our tree has on it’s top a bright silver and white star.
    Merry Christmas to you, your family and sweet Annie.

    Reply
  98. Karon

    Merry Christmas Corey. On top of my stree shines a sparkly silver star. It is old and tarnished but still reflects the colours and sparkles of the ornaments below.
    All best for Christmas and the New Year
    Karon in very, very snowy Scotland

    Reply
  99. Pam

    We have the same angel on the top of our tree each year – this is our 26th Christmas together. She is an antique reproduction, lace skirt and bisque face. She does not have lights built in, but I always wrap the last of the strand up behind her so she shines brightly. My trees have taken on different looks over the years, but the angel is the constant. Merry Christmas to you and your whole family, Corey! I still read your blog every day, although now that I work full time again, I don’t leave comments as often. Thank you for that spot of inspiration and humor to look forward to each day!

    Reply
  100. Jessica

    Bonjour! I also have nothing on my tree top. For I got a new tree this year and I’m saving some projects for other years.
    I love the beret idea! Thanks for offering such a lovely gift.

    Reply
  101. dawn b

    Merry Christmas Corey! My kids asked this year for the return of what they call our “kid” tree. We dug thru 30 years and the same number of boxes and pulled out the red, green and glitter. We topped it this year with a black top hat adorned with holly. We’ve named it Fred… As in Fred Astaire. Quite a dapper gent. Safe travels!!

    Reply
  102. Kerri

    I could use the beret since I can not find my angel this year.
    Merry Christmas

    Reply
  103. Brother Mathew

    Looked up there and saw nothing. I asked Marie and she said “an angel, probably.”
    I guess I will have to find that angel.

    Reply
  104. Kenda

    Merry Christmas and blessings to you and your beautiful family. We have a big red bow on top of our funny Christmas tree. My brother let us pick out a fresh tree from his Christmas tree farm and we didn’t look at the trunk, which is very crooked or slanted. It’s not very tall and huge in the middle, so it looks very pregnant. We have had many laughs over our Charlie Brown tree, which has brought much joy to the season! Much love, Kenda

    Reply
  105. Kimberly

    Corey Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! On top of my tree is a white lighted gold star with a red bird sitting right next to it. Blessings, Kimberly

    Reply
  106. carol in CA

    My tree is a little different. I only put glass santas on it. On top of my tree is a Radko Santa tree topper with two sunburst reflectors. It’s large and goes to the top of our 11′ ceilings.

    Reply
  107. Julie in KS

    A star tops my Christmas tree. I love it! I do not wear hats, but I know a 17 year old girl who would love wearing a red beret!

    Reply
  108. sabrina

    happy holidays!
    my small tree has a plump blown glass bird sitting at the top!

    Reply
  109. Kate

    A tarnished tin angel from my mothers childhood tree rests on my feather tree top.
    Wishing you and your readers a new year filled with peace.
    Bon Noel!

    Reply
  110. Laurie

    Merry Christmas Corey and family,
    Ah……a red beret-so perfect. We have the same star on top of our tree that has been there for 38 years-like you, we just finally put up the tree on Sunday. Very late for us. Enjoy your Holiday. Laurie

    Reply
  111. FrenchBlue

    Dear Corey,
    OmG!! 108 commments!! My chance of getting a red baret from my mentor is small I know… but still pretty please add me to your list! My tree has a white paper mache’ angel on top that my daughter Noel made me with white feather wings and no head. Maybe the red baret will be my angel’s headless halo!!
    Happy Happy Christmas silly girl!! I love you and Thank you for sharing your beautiful crazy life with me!
    XOX’s
    Janet

    Reply
  112. martha in mobile

    A very old, faded and misshapen felt Santa that belonged to my husband’s father when he was a boy. Enjoy your holiday!

    Reply
  113. Maria

    Merry Christmas, Corey!
    We have a dove wearing a crown atop our tree.
    Best wishes to you and your family!

    Reply
  114. FrenchBlue

    Oppps… sorry 111 comments! OmG!! 3 came on as I was writing mine~

    Reply
  115. Michelle M in KY

    Dear Corey…
    First, I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. I hope that it brings you good health and lots of joy. On top of my tree sits a praying angel. Would love to add a red beret to it for next year. Have a splendid holiday with that beautiful family of yours.
    Your friend…

    Reply
  116. Lorrie

    Our tree has an angel atop – it’s been our tradition since our children were small. However, this year, our first with an empty nest, my husband had the idea to put up a gaudy pink star instead and then wait and see if the children would notice or comment. They did, to our delight, and the angel has been restored to her rightful place.

    Reply
  117. Cheryl at Casual Cottage Chic

    Toss a RED BERET my way! Need it to keep my head warm on those nightly walks with Cocoa, our chocolate cocker spaniel 🙂
    On top of our tree…an angel that my son made when he was only 6 {he is now 31}. It is the last ornament to adorn the tree and it is placed with much care and love.
    Enjoy your holidays with family!

    Reply
  118. Laura

    A Pere Noel we bought our first Christmas sits atop our tree – he shares the space with a plastic angel from husband’s childhood…tacky but full of memories.
    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  119. Donna C.

    We have a lovely Partridge-in-a-Pear-tree that sits nestled in as far up high as possible….given to me years ago by my grandmother. It’s a little well loved and lived-in and it’s beak a bit wobbly but it brings me great joy every time I see it.
    Wishing you a very Happy Holiday, Corey from the Bay Area!

    Reply
  120. lk

    Hi there! Merry Christmas! I love red!!!On top of our Christams tree is nothing. :> We don’t have a topper, and I have a habit of choosing the largest tree we can fit so they always touch the ceiling anyway. LOL. We live in a rural area where Christmas tree farms are a common thing, so I can get really great trees without breaking the budget.

    Reply
  121. Lizbeth

    Of course, there is an angel on top of our tree. Throw my hat in the ring for a red beret, please! What fun that would be!

    Reply
  122. Jenn

    The top of our Christmas tree is bare, but perhaps we could add a red beret?

    Reply
  123. Isabel ~ Maison Douce

    WE have a silver star on our Christmas tree… Have a wonderful Christmas!!!
    Isabel

    Reply
  124. Helen

    Corey,
    Years ago I found a brunette angel. She has been on the top of my tree now for 27 years…In the box that holds her my kids (3) have alternated years so they can put her on top. Blessings,
    Helen

    Reply
  125. Toni Mason

    Merry Christmas Corey and a Happy Birthday to Chelsea (Godmother)! I too love that red berret! Take care on your travels..Love Toni

    Reply
  126. bramble

    We have a punched tin star that the light twinkles through and though I have tried to replace it with something else through the years that star IS Christmas to the shaggy haired boy. Many years we had to lift him to put it up there, now at 6’4″ he may have to lift us! Joyeaux Noel Corey and Family!
    xoxox Bramble

    Reply
  127. Sheila Cain-Sample

    I vary our tree topper each year. I hand cut a paper Angel one year and I use a gold wire star with little lights on the other. I love that red beret.

    Reply
  128. Joanne from Idaho

    On top of my tiny tree is a tiny spun glass star… looks lovely when the lights sparkle through it… thanks for sharing your life in France with us!

    Reply
  129. Rosemary

    Corey,
    I wish you and your family a very Merry Chirstmas. On my tree this year is a ribbon bow. I have a lovely star tree topper, which I cannot locate since I moved twice in 9 months!!
    I would love a red beret!

    Reply
  130. Peggy R

    Alas, there is nothing atop my tree, there is not even a tree. I hope to put one up….maybe a New Year’s Tree 😉 I dream of being in Paris for the holidays…..and I love red.
    Joyeux Noël Corey!

    Reply
  131. Kel

    I missed reading the Chelsea story until this morning, so sweet! Merry Christmas to you and your family. My tree topper is one of those long pointy glass ornaments that I picked up from a thrift store a couple of years ago!

    Reply
  132. Donna

    There is an angel strumming a gold harp on top of our tree. She has been there for many years. Love you blog, and particularly your imperfection, which I am constantly trying to accept for myself. Love and Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  133. Marilyn

    A red beret would be lovely on the top of any tree, but especially mine. I have an antique french horn tied with a gold bow on the top of my tree right now.
    Have a wonderful time in Paris. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  134. Dana Smith

    I have an angel on top of my tree….she has blong hair and a wicked smile and she’s graced the top of my tree for 29 years. She’s ugly and cute. And it just wouldn’t be Christmas without her!

    Reply
  135. Janine Aqui

    Corey, interestingly my theme for my Christmas Eve Birthday and Christmas is RED and LOVE…I am in the countryside of Trinidad for the holidays where I am surrounded by lots of trees. My Christmas tree is made with RED wood pillars and tealights. Atop my tree is a pair of intertwined lovebirds….RED Baccarat crystal. I am hoping 2010 would bring me my true love, my special love…and I believe in Santa Claus. Merry Christmas to you and your family, may all your wishes and dreams come true.

    Reply
  136. Denise Moulun-Pasek

    I have an angel who has the same hair color and cut as me. Do you think that my husband and two boys are getting the hint?
    Joyeux Noël à toi et à ta belle famille!

    Reply
  137. Lisa

    An angel with red hair, like my mother. My great aunt made it many many years ago…it is a family treasure. I hope you and your family have a safe and happy Christmas.

    Reply
  138. pam

    My christmas tree is not under the stairs like yours, but still in storage. We almost brought home a Noble Fir tree that was free at the Christmas tree lot, but it was too large for the car. Oh, well. I, too, am trying to do the best I can under less than the best of circumstances. Christmas has become bittersweet to me since some monumental disappointments have come at this time of the year. Oh, well, again!
    Next year, I would LOVE to have a red baret from Paris to put on the top of my tree!!! My 23 yr. old daughter Loves to try on barets she did this numerous times just yesterday. She always stops in her tracks when she sees one, and always wants to buy another one, when she remembers that she has a “REAL” black baret she bought in Paris 2 yrs. ago. A red baret would be SO lovely–and from Paris too!!!
    Merry Christmas, and have a lovely time in Paris!!!

    Reply
  139. Sandy

    My Christmas tree has an unusual topper this year in honour of my aunt who is struggling with health issues. With wire and elastics I managed to perch my aunts favorite blown glass bird atop my tree. It looks beautiful and I think will be the tree topper for some time to come.
    Merry Christmas everyone! I wish love and health for a fabulous new year!

    Reply
  140. Anne GSOLFOT

    Much as I hate to admit it, my Christmas tree is topped with a plastic bag as it is still in storage. There is a lighted ceramic tree but alas, the star for the top is also in storage. May I declare extreme hardship and beg for a red beret to cheer me this Christmas? Just the thought of it has already cheered me.
    Corey, here are my very best wishes for you and yours for a blessed Christmas. Thank you for your daily blog ~ it is a great pleasure for me every day and I love you for it.
    Anne
    GSOLFOT

    Reply
  141. meppyBN

    Merry Christmas, Corey, to you and yours and have a snowy, bestest time in Paris! Our tree is crowned with a large silver mesh star full of lights and love.

    Reply
  142. Edith

    A star made of capiz shell tops our tree. You have brought me
    pleasure each morning this year–Merry merry to you and yours
    and red is always good!

    Reply
  143. Joni

    One of my yearly traditions is saving a shed snakeskin I’ve found while hiking. This year was paticularily lucky, as I found a 36 inch long one with even the head perfectly shed, AND my cats didn’t find it! So there it is, a snake at the top of the tree. My Grandson looks forward to it every year, as he gets to take it home when the tree comes down!!!

    Reply
  144. Cherry

    My oh my every one wants a beret! My tree is still growing in the woods. And I like the thought of a bird sitting on top. A red bird would be nice.

    Reply
  145. marina gruenman

    A naked baby – in great need of a red beret…

    Reply
  146. Jeannie

    Merry Christmas! We have two tree toppers. I have always had an owl on top my tree for it’s wisdom and hoping it would pass that wisdom onto me!;-) We also have an angel that used to be atop my hubby’s childhood tree. It’s plastic (circa 1950) and loved. Have a wonderful time in Paris and know that we are all with you in spirit with our virtual red berets! Cheers.

    Reply
  147. Karen in Alaska

    We have an antique angel in a pink dress atop our tree. Too precious to pack away, she lives in our china closet the rest of the year. Everyone loves her so much, I think I shall ask to be buried with her when I die to prevent a family feud. Thank you, Corey, for giving me a feast for my eyes and words to warm my heart. Blessings to you and yours, Karen

    Reply
  148. ann-marie

    merry christmas corey!our tree is topped with an angel,cupped hands, kneeling on a glittery earth-she is darling-feathery wings and all! thank you for being my favorite bookmark this past year.hugs,ann-marie

    Reply
  149. janet

    Our tree is topped with a German blown-glass ornament. Having lived in Germany as a child, it is those ornaments that speak of Christmas to me. Last Christmas we spent in Paris, however, and a red beret would be an ooh la la addition to tradition!
    Thank you so much for your generous blog– it is a bright spot in every day! Many times this year I have sat at the computer laughing out loud! That in itself would be wonderful, but you have also shared special moments and people with us that bring real life into sparkling focus. Thanks for sharing your friends Shelley and Annie, your beautiful children (LOVED their dance video clip), French husband, and all of your wonderful experiences. You are an adventurous, fun-loving, fearless inspiration!

    Reply
  150. Suze

    We have a beautiful hand made stained glass star…but since I’m french, a red beret would be fitting…non? I hope you have a lovely time in Paris…it must look spectactular this time of year!
    Suze

    Reply
  151. kelly

    At the top of my Christmas tree is a Angel tree topper that was my Nana’s. It used to light up, but it hasn’t worked in a very long time. Every time I think of it, I think of her. I remember it was on her little, beautifully decorated to the nines tree that sat upon a table in her tiny apartment every Christmas season. She made a lot of her own ornaments. One of my favorite things was a faux metal skating rink with little metal figurines. She made the rink by covering a thin plate with tinfoil. I have so many memories of playing with her Christmas display and looking up at that shining bright tree with the Angel on top. So much love.
    Merry Christmas, Corey to you and yours…

    Reply
  152. Sara

    There is a lit up star shining on top of our tree (photo up on my blog today). I say “our” because if it were just mine, I might pick something else. But that’s OK.
    I’d love a red beret all the way from Paris–how generous of you , and fun!

    Reply
  153. SueT.

    On top of my tree would have been an angel but my little fake 3 foot tree got stolen out of my storage unit awhile back and I haven’t replaced it yet.
    In the meantime, I’m setting up my nativity scene and putting gifts around it !
    Thanks for sharing your blog with us – so pretty and fun !
    Sue

    Reply
  154. Gail

    Atop our living room tree is a green felt “elf” hat that our first son wore during a Christmas play in preschool (he wore elf ears too but we keep that to ourselves.

    Reply
  155. Vicki @ bit-o-earth

    Merry Christmas dear Corey! Dieu de mai Bénit xxx Vicki

    Reply
  156. if jane

    HOPE AND LOVE BABY!!! ;)) xx

    Reply
  157. Minodora

    It is funny how many people would like a red beret!I have one in my closet never wore it…
    I’ll have some red wine instead,hope not on the wall!:)
    Have a Merry Christmas!
    p.s.will be a sparkling star on top of my tree!

    Reply
  158. bj the canuck

    Alas my day began with a call from my son saying he was snowed in in Europe and would not be coming home for Christmas……. the star atop my tree is not beaming as brightly now. Next year I’m going to leave the tree in the forest and watch the star twinkle in the sunlight!
    Have a wonderful time in Paris!

    Reply
  159. Ann

    Merry Christmas! I have three trees, The 7′ tree in the entertainment room has an Angel, the living room 7′ tree has a beautiful star (finally found the right one at Macy’s), and the third 5′ tree in the master bedroom has an antigue glass tree topper.
    Corey if you need me to put your tree up next year call me. Christmas without a tree – never!

    Reply
  160. Lorene S.

    Angel watching over us all! Especailly the 2 little angels looking at the present and me to open them!
    Merry Christmas!
    Lorene and family

    Reply
  161. Alena Dreamer

    I try to have Christmas tree every year no matter what.
    The whole ritual, starting by looking for one, to putting a star, chimney cleaner man and little bells on the top, connects me with my parents and i can pretend we are together.
    Every year as far as I can remember my dad, now 81, decorates his Christmas tree with such gentleness and wonder and I miss it so much.
    And you Corey are doing something different this year and it sounds wonderful, have a great time with your beautiful family.
    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  162. Jeanette M.

    Angel with a beautiful red robe! I think it is angel from the choir! Because as soon as it goes up my girls start singing whatever christmas carol come to there mind! The angel has always been the last thing on the tree, but next year I think it will be the first just so I can hear the songs coming from them. We would love to win a beret I wonder if it would look good on top of the angel and her red robes!?

    Reply
  163. Marci

    I would love a red beret. I would wear it.
    On top of my tree is a white lace angel that was a gift from my sister.

    Reply
  164. Cathy Sexton

    It’s good to do something different every year and there is a time and place for not putting up a tree. I usually put up two trees but have simplified to one – we have a wonderful angel doll on the top of the tree. My husband would pick up the girls and they’d top her off – they are too big now –
    Merry Christmas – Cathy

    Reply
  165. Amanda

    Per family tradition, there is a beautiful angel on top of our tree. I would love a red berret!

    Reply
  166. lara de jesus

    My mom has decided not to put up a christmas tree this year. hopefully, i get to win the red beret so that i can put it on top of the tree next year. 🙂

    Reply
  167. Mahala

    What fun you have Corey. I am waiting till my daughter arrives tonight by train to let her choose what will go on the top of the tree.So right now there is love on the top.

    Reply
  168. Pearl

    A gold star sits atop my 2ft tree, I too was not up to putting up a tree but gave in and bought the smallest fresh tree I could find, it makes me smile just like the idea of wearing a red beret for Christmas.
    Feliz Navidad Corey Amaro

    Reply
  169. suesue

    I actually have a hat on top my tree! It’s a red and green striped one with fur trim and it says “Merry Christmas”!! to you and yours!

    Reply
  170. Rue

    I never put the same thing on the top. It’s how ever the mood strikes me at the time. I’ve put bows, toys, hats, flowers,and a face.

    Reply
  171. Delia

    Hi Corey: Nothing sits atop my tree this year as I, like you, didn’t put one up…..next year for sure though! And I’d love to wear a red beret next year as I trim my tree. *fingers crossed*
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    Reply
  172. Kristin Wight

    I’m like you this year… no tree! However, normally I have a wire globe showing pretend continents with a huge sign across it reading “Peace on Earth” I usually surround it with real cotton pieces from a cotton field in TX.

    Reply
  173. Carolyn

    Nothing – but I like the sound of a red beret! Merry Christmas

    Reply
  174. Barbara

    I have a vintage-look angel. I found her a year or so ago and love her. We still have the angel from when I was a kid, but it is such sad shape that I can only appreciate it in the box. Have a great vacation!!

    Reply
  175. parisbreakfast

    A sparkly Eiffel Tower and it’s your doing!
    I was a confirmed Eiffel tower-hater till you came along and turned my head (in the direction of the 7th arrondissement).
    Now E.T.s are on every wall and pillow and a mini sits on my laptop as I type.
    Someday I’ll connect the Target E.T. lamp in the living room when I figure out the directions.
    Blow her a kiss for me as you pass by in Paris 🙂
    et merci pour tous

    Reply
  176. angela

    Corey, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with all of your family!
    On top of our tree is a huge gold star. Sort of looks like a trumpet on bottom, 13 years old and I still love it.
    Merry Christmas!
    angela

    Reply
  177. Judy

    Bonjour Corey and Merry Paris Christmas to you and FH! I now have a sweet little angel atop our Christmas tree, but maybe next year a red beret will top it! Love your writing~Have a great Christmas, Judy

    Reply
  178. Shelley

    Corey,Yann,Chelsea,and Sasha
    Have a wonderful christmas in Paris… you lucky dog. On top of our tree is a very old tree topper… it is white,silver,and red. It is very beautiful. Happy New Year (garet did the typing)

    Reply
  179. Kathie

    No tree. Just lots of snow outside from Saturday’s storm, but now it’s turning icy from repeated thawing/refreezing. Can’t recall why I ever wanted to leave California!

    Reply
  180. Sheila [Chez Laurel]

    My Christmas tree has a sweet-faced Christmas angel…but she would just love to be wearing a red beret!
    Merry Christmas, Corey, from north of Seattle!
    Sheila

    Reply
  181. Carol

    Merry Christmas 2009 to you Corey and FH, Chelsea and Sacha! Your Christmas plans sound lovely.
    I have an angel treetopper, that was my mother’s but I don’t recall her ever using it.
    A red beret would be such fun to have perched at a saucy angle!

    Reply
  182. Betty M

    My tree almost touches our 9ft ceiling so nothing is on top. I think a red beret would look great up there.
    Lucky you to be in Paris. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Corey. Thank you for the enjoyable time I spend each day reading your blog.

    Reply
  183. ann

    I have a small, very overweight ‘Angel’ wearing a red sparkly leotard, blonde hair in a bun and quite middle-aged looking! oh and she has golden wings, stands on points with her arms held straight out to her side, she is approx 3″ high.
    Happy Christmas in Paris, keep warm. xx

    Reply
  184. Linda Hansen

    Merry Christmas to you and yours! Sounds lovely to have a year with a bit of freedom from all the fussing at Christmas. (Said among projects and packing and wrapping in the middle of Indiana!)
    A Father Christmas looks out over our Christmas celebrations every year. I sometimes think about changing him for something else, but have a fondness for him, having watched over my son’s Christmas every year.
    Make merry in your red beret! Thanks for all you give to us who share in your blog.

    Reply
  185. Jamie V

    Merry Christmas! Have a very peaceful day. On the top of my tree is a vintage silver and white star that was on my grandmother’s tree for years. I ended up with many of her ornaments (lucky me!). I love the color RED and would gladly put that red beret on top of mine next year! Jamie V in MT
    amzanioli@yahoo.com
    http://rem-nants.blogspot.com

    Reply
  186. Wendy

    My tree is tall but not fat. Sort of primitive I think they call it. I have garlands of holly intertwined throughout the tree and lots of little red birds (well, artificial of course) sitting on limbs and resting in little nests. I have several little owls as well. Atop the tree is a little red bird looking out from his little house. This tree always makes me happy. Merry Christmas to you!

    Reply
  187. Kat

    Atop our tree are feathers! Oh, there’s a traditional glass topper there but the tree has a natural theme…bronze and rust colors, antlers, birds and real nests. After the New Year I’m getting my long now grey hair cut short. I think a red beret would be stunning!
    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  188. Kristy

    Wonderful Corey,
    Mike Rowe (you know, DIRTY JOBS Mike Rowe) is on the top of my wish list for Christmas… Ooh La La
    I am feeling a bit overwhelmed this year, like you, with shopping and getting all the decorations out and all that other stuff that makes you crazy at Christmas. I want to thank you for this particular post. It says to me, that it is okay to leave the tree under the stairwell and LIFE LIFE, tree or not. Thank you! Thank you!
    Merry Christmas Corey! Hoping for a red beret…
    Kristy in Oregon

    Reply
  189. Dee/reddirtramblings

    Corey, have a wonderful Christmas. Ours has an angel holding a poinsettia blossom. You can drop by the blog and see her if you’d like. Of course, you’ll be much too busy I bet.
    Merry Christmas!~~Dee

    Reply
  190. Kristy

    Oh gosh Corey, I mis-read your post and thought you said what is at the top of your Christmas list… I do NOT have Mike Rowe perched at the top of my tree. Oh my!
    I will read more carefully from now on.
    Live LIFE!
    Kristy

    Reply
  191. Patti

    The angel at the top of our tree keeps flying off and landing under the tree. Perhaps she is looking to see if we have wrapped the gifts yet… maybe tonight! She was a gift give to us made by a special artist friend, perhaps not intended for the top of the tree since she is made out of metal (maybe THATS why she flies?) but we love her there!
    MERRY CHRISTMAS Corey! What a delight it has been to read your blog this last year!! I pray you and you lovely family have a ver blessed Christmas,
    Patti

    Reply
  192. Pauline H

    The top of my Christmas tree holds a little crown,probably from a statue of the Virgin Mary, that I found at a vide grenier in Dinard this year.Joyeux Noel Corey,have a kir on me.

    Reply
  193. Jenny N

    Each year we switch out Angel/Star. This year it is our beautiful star. Which reminds me of one of my favorite childhood remembrances of Christmas decor. Our multicolored 1970s star with twinkling (yes, always twinkling) rainbow colored lights backed by silver tinsel would colorfully glimmer and glow all season and I would oooh, and ahhh with it. Well a couple years back we found it amongst my mom’s old decor we just couldn’t throw out and the thought that struck me….eeew, gaudy. And at that moment my mom chimed in, “yep it was gaudy but y’all loved it.” Have a Merry Gaudy Christmas full of red berets!

    Reply
  194. Marie-Noëlle Roland

    A star is on top of my Xmas tree…
    … I pass the béret to the next “commenter”, thank you Corey …
    We are heading to Lyon !!!
    Have a nice Christmas !!!

    Reply
  195. Bella Dreams

    It’s not a beret, but it is a snowman hat! It looks pretty darn cute with all of my vintage ornaments! The other tree sports a giant gold star! Thank you for all of you fun stories. I enjoy them very much.

    Reply
  196. leilani

    My little table top tree this year is sporting red crocheted stars, small gold mercury glass pinecones and vintage plastic snowflakes. I didn’t have anything for the top that seemed appropriate so it goes au natural. And believe me, if I were so fortunate as to be the recipient of the red beret, it would rest atop ma tete rather than the tree!
    A merry and joyous Noel to you and yours, Corey!

    Reply
  197. Lora Gohn

    I have a beautiful angel on top of my Christmas Tree. I love her. She is perfect. PS I also love Paris.

    Reply
  198. Maryann McCool

    Alas, no Christmas Tree this year. I just moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles. I moved into a small loft downtown and did not expect to love it so much!
    Normally I have a lovely angel on top of the tree.
    I lived in Paris for two summers and must say it is my very favorite place in the world.
    Thank you so much for such a lovely blog.

    Reply
  199. Laurie Lozier

    Oooh la la!~Love the red beret!
    I’ve so enjoyed reading your blog this past year from the comfort of my couch here in Oregon.
    Alas, nothing adorns the top of my Christmas tree this year. 🙁
    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  200. Eileen @ Passions to Pastry

    My Christmas tree is topped with a foil star that I made with my daughter when she was 4. She is now 24. Even tho’ the glitter we glued onto the star is no longer evident, I wouldn’t trade that foil star for any other tree topper on earth. This is the first Christmas in 22 years that we will not be traveling over the holidays and are expecting a MAJOR snowstorm, and we couldn’t be happier.

    Reply
  201. cathi

    I would love a beret! On top of my Christmas tree is a brass star with colorful beads throughout. I adore it! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    Reply
  202. Jeanne

    My Christmas tree is topped with a snowflake made from a plastic six pack holder – the kind that holds a six pack of cans together.

    Reply
  203. Delores

    On top of my tree is a Santa/St Francis figurine. He looks Santa like except he has a bird on his shoulder and is dressed like he is a gardener. I love him! He’s looking a little shabby though and needs some sprucing up.
    I love your blog and look forward to every post. What a life you have! –Delores in California

    Reply
  204. Delores

    And BTW, Have a very merry joyeux noel! –Delores

    Reply
  205. momof5

    On top of my balsam fir tree is a beautiful old gold foil paper angel with a sweet porcelain face that my mother-in-law gave to me many years ago. It is very meaningful to me as my in-laws are Jewish. For many years we didn’t have a tree but I missed it terribly. When my mother in law gave me the angel she said, “I found this for you because I know you love old things and this looked old to me. I want you to put it on your Christmas tree for me.) I did and her angel has graced my tree each year since, reminding me of her gift to me which was so much more than this angel on my tree.
    Wishing you a peaceful and happy Christmas.

    Reply
  206. Marilyn

    Several years ago I was at a craft bazaar and saw a cute star-shaped Santa. He is mounted on a spring/coil of wire, which slides over the vertical branch at the top of the tree. The seller wrapped one up for me and I went happily on my way. At Christmas we pulled the Santa from the wrapping, and found that the way the coil is (immovably) positioned, the branch sticks about one inch straight up from Santa’s crotch, almost reaching his belt buckle. Little kids love the santa and most people don’t notice (or are too shy to say anything), but a few always turn away from the tree with a grin.

    Reply
  207. kathie

    merry christmas corey,
    this year, since i am hosting our family christmas dinner with all 40 of us in attendance, i could not put up my regular tree as it would displace too much furniture (and seating is at a premium!) so i put up on of my childrens old 3 foot trees on my sofa table. the wire branch that is the top of the tree wouldn’t hold very much, but i perched a little glittery bird on top. he looks like he just swooped in to take in all the lights! have a great holiday with your family! love your blog!!!!!

    Reply
  208. nan tofanelli

    I had a red beret when I was 5. I’d love to have another…
    The top of my tree has a red winged black bird’s nest perched on it. In fact my whole tree has real bird’s nests camped all over it. Most were given to me by my good friend Janet, from Artois, who was always coming upon nests at her family farm.

    Reply
  209. Betsy

    Merry Christmas! My tree will have a star on top when it gets decorated on Christmas Eve! Maybe next year I’ll wear a red beret while I decorate it!

    Reply
  210. PattyG

    Hello Corey, Hope you and yours has a very merry Christmas. I have an angel that my husband bought me as a gift for our tree for our 2nd Christmas 25 years ago…still have the same tree…looking a little Charlie Brownish after all this time, but it’s hard to let it and the memories go. This year our tree has photos of family living and gone framed as ornaments on our tree. Heritage and family are so important and become more so as our children grow and move on to their own homes. Be safe on your journey over the holidays.
    Merry Christmas,
    Pat

    Reply
  211. Becky

    The top of my Christmas tree has a trio of American flags to signify how wonderful America is and has always been. The flags on my tree are in honor of my husband who spent twenty five long years in the US Navy Submarine fleets and his son who also spent several years under the water. It honors my Mom, a WAC during WW II, my Dad, a US Navy Sailor during WW II and my late brother, a US Marine!!! It’s an American “thing” that I know you understand Corey!!!

    Reply
  212. Alina

    Hi Corey…thank you so much for your wonderful posts. I have so enjoyed reading them throughout this year. They are my special treat, a break from working and studying all the time. I hope you and your family have a very special Christmas. And I am so grateful for the perfection of being imperfect. Today, I am learning that acceptance of myself is the biggest gift I could ever ask for, and I am so grateful to be learning how to make a mistake and be ok with it. Thanks for your posts and shares! –Alina

    Reply
  213. Rachel Scott

    Corey, part of me wishes I were also in Paris, but the other part is glad to be home with family at Christmas time. On top of our tree is the gilded and glittered paper angel which used to be on my husband’s tree when he was a boy. His father would lift him up so he could put it on the tree top. It’s one of the few things about which he is sentimental.
    Rachel

    Reply
  214. Sue Tinker

    My tree has a funky, primitive tin star that lives in the dining room when the tree is not up.
    I would give the beret to my 16 year old niece Lise because she would look really cute in it.
    Merry Christmas to you and your family.
    Sue T.

    Reply
  215. MimiG

    My tree is different this year – instead of my angel, I put a blob – well not really a blog – a bunch of big, fat, white pearls that sort of look like a bunch of grapes at the top – I love the lustre of the pearls when the white lights dance on right next to them.
    MimiG

    Reply
  216. Kathie B.

    Just a note that there are 2 Kathies now, so henceforth I’ll be Kathie B. on this blog. There will not be 40 people at my house!

    Reply
  217. Barbara Sydney Australia

    A very simple old shiny gold star.
    Love always

    Reply
  218. mindi

    I dont have anything on top of my tree-yet. And, I almost didnt get one this year because we are always so busy and never home to enjoy it, so I really understand you not putting one up.
    How fun, a cute red beret from France! You sure know how to make a girl smile!!! Have a Beautiful and Wonderful Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  219. Laurie

    Hummed to the Twelve Days of Christmas
    Twelve Gifts to Buy
    Eleven Cards to Write
    Ten Cakes to Bake
    Nine Wreaths to Make
    Eight Bows to Tie
    Seven Gifts to Ship
    Six Cookie Trays
    Five Extra Pounds
    Four Christmas Teas
    Three Office Parties
    Two Holiday Dinners
    and One REDDD BERET

    Reply
  220. Brenda Locklear from TN

    Merry Christmas, Corey and FH…
    The top of my Christmas Tree is a red and gold ribbon bow with long tails…it’s really pretty…I would LOVE a red beret from France….Happy New Year also..

    Reply
  221. joanny

    Corey:
    Joyeux Noël
    Wanted to wish you – Both and your family
    a Joyous Holiday filled with memories old and new! And a big thank you for all your glorious posts day after day love them all they make my day
    I hope this season and the coming year brings you your hearts desires.
    LOL,
    Joanny
    The Dowser’s Daughter

    Reply
  222. joanny

    Corey
    Forgot – my tree topper is a very pretty gold translucent lighted inside star.
    Joanny
    The Dowser’s Daughter
    PS I look good in red with my Black Hair and Beret.

    Reply
  223. carol

    How liberating to leave your tree under the stairwell and go to Paris!!! It sounds wonderful.
    Thank you for the chance to win a red Christmas beret!
    I have a folk art angel on my treetop. She is beautiful.
    Thank you for your blog, Corey.
    Merry Christmas!
    carol

    Reply
  224. Jen

    Nothing, because my mom went to fix our angel which was breaking last year and now she can’t find it 🙁
    Have a Merry Christmas Corey! Enjoy Paris!

    Reply
  225. Redness

    Like you my tree is under the stairs as my girls have taken care of everything this year. Our tree is a joint effort with a gorgeous fairy atop to symbolise the arrival, this year, of a new gorgeous girl in to our family. My girls promise, if we win, they won’t fight over the red beret, they’ll share with pride 😉
    Merry Christmas to YOU & YOURS Beautiful Corey. xo

    Reply
  226. amylia grace

    oh corey, it’s amylia grace and truth be told, my xmas tree is still under the attic eaves. i am sporting a turquoise beret, though. a french red one would rock, though! 🙂 you go, girl! Free to be…YOU! XOXOXOXO

    Reply
  227. Diane

    We have a white Battenburg lace angel at the top of our tree.
    And a red beret….how perfect.
    Enjoy your holiday,
    Diane at A Circle of Quiet

    Reply
  228. Jennie@clusternavigators.com

    Greetings from sunny New Zealand where it would be excessive for me to wear a red beret just now but that would not stop me from owning and admiring one…should it meander down under to my letterbox!!
    My sparkly tree has a lovely gold angel that is made of plaster and is rather tall and elegant….hard to describe her well but she looks fine.
    I was in Paris in April for my birthday so I can imagine the fun you will be having…though it will be a different looking city with the winter weather now in full swing…keep warm, drive safely and have a lovely Christmas….
    Cheers
    Jennifer

    Reply
  229. jend’isère

    Red to greet Santa with a tree in hostage… The freedom of leaving home and lancing berets like frisbees all over the world. What spirit!
    PS.I think of Lucy and my daughter thinks of Lisa(Simpson).I hope they fly far.

    Reply
  230. Di Overton

    Just dropping by to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas
    and a big thank you for your friendship throughout the past year.
    From a very snowy UK
    Love
    Di (Designers Block)

    Reply
  231. Leigh Ann

    Merry Christmas…we have an angel on top. DH and I bought it for our first Christmas together…we’ve now used it for 18 years….

    Reply
  232. bee

    mine is a fat star with ribbon, I did have red poinsettias, but the ribbon looks better with the star.
    Red Beret sounds great.
    I am still looking for a metal crown to put on the top of my tree, but cannot find one.
    I bet it’s beautiful in France with the decorations. Post pictures if you can, would love to see some.
    Merry Christmas!
    Betsy

    Reply
  233. Shari

    On the eve of Christmas eve, happy holidays to you Cory and to your family, here and there. Hope your’s and my blogg continues to grow in interest and we remain creative in the new year. MERRY CHRISTMAS

    Reply
  234. Dawn

    Merry Christmas, Corey!
    We have a handmade angel at the top of our tree.
    Blessings on you, dear.
    xo

    Reply
  235. shannon in oregon

    the disco star…
    it’s got a rotating light that casts disco colors all over our house.
    merriest of christmases, corey!!

    Reply

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