Between Naps on the Porch: Christmas Tree Lit with Real Candles

Jan 3, 2012

Christmas Tree Lit with Real Candles

I know Christmas is behind us, but I just had to share these wonderful photographs of Cornelia's, gorgeous tree. Cornelia lives in Switzerland and each year she decorates her tree in a traditional way, using real candles. Wait until you see the photos of it all aglow in candlelight! It truly is breathtaking!

The decorating process takes Cornelia many hours, usually 15-16. The ornaments are original and are treasured pieces from Germany and Czechia.

Cornelia shared, "It is the custom in Switzerland to keep the Christmas tree til the 6th of January (Epiphany)."

Enjoy these close-up photos of some of the lovely ornaments on Cornelia's tree.

Time to light the candles...

With the lights turned down low, you can really see the glow of the candles.

In case you're worried, there isn't much chance of a fire because the tree is put right before Christmas and the candles are lit for just a brief period each night, beginning on Christmas Day and until the end of the Epiphany on January 6th. So the tree is still nice and fresh when the candles are lit.

Bathed in candlelight...so beautiful and so magical. Isn't this thing called "blogging" just the best. When would we ever have a chance to see a tree lit with real candles in a gorgeous home in Switzerland, if not for the wonderful world of blogging.

You can see Cornelia's illuminated tree last year in THIS post. Thanks so much, Cornelia for bringing us into your home for Christmas.

Labels: Christmas

43 Comments:

At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , KJ@letsgoflyakite said...: Happy New Year and an absolutely beautiful tree and a lovely reminder that Christmas lasts for 12 days.
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Art From The heart said...: How truly beautiful and yes,only in the blog world !
Thank you for sharing,gorgeous.
Amy
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...: What a beautifully decorated tree, and I am thankful that Cornelia has shared this with us!
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , FABBY'S LIVING said...: Beautiful tree. I have a friend from German descent who always had and lighted her real candles on her tree, til once a twig of the tree almost caught fire! Never the less it is gorgeous and as soon as I read your post's title, I just knew it was Cornelia's. Thank you for posting, I just run to see whenever you have something of hers.
FABBY
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Blondie's Journal said...: What an awesomely gorgeous tree! You are so right, where else but in the world of blogging can we see such a thing?

Hope your New Year is off to a wonderful start, Susan!

XO,
Jane
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Mama Sue said...: Breathtaking! My daughter recently asked me if we put candleson our tree when I was little! Yes we had electricity in the 60s!
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Sue, that is too funny! :)
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Entertaining Women said...: Cornelia never fails to inspire. Thank you for this beautiful treat! Happy New Year! Cherry Kay
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , I am LOVD said...: If I was Cornelia, my floor beneath the tree would be sporting some bubble wrap all around. Anything to protect those precious ornaments from falling to the floor!
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Susan said...: That was very lovely, Susan.

I'd be afraid to have real fire, though. This is an old house and it would go up PUFF very quickly.

I would be so scared. I even get a little nervous with the fireplace,even though it's screened.

Anyway, thanks for all your lovely posts. Susan
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Ann@A Sentimental Life said...: What a treat to see that! Thanks for sharing her gorgeous tree.
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Anonymous said...: Happy New Year, Susan! Cornelia's tree is gorgeous but I'm holding my breath thinking about those real lit candles on the tree! FIRE! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Hollace said...: It is a beautiful tree and the branches are spread so wide! I would be afraid of burning the house down with candles on the tree, especially leaving it up until Jan 6. But I love the old fashioned illustrations of Christmas trees and lit candles...
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Dee Stephens said...: WOW!!!! Thanks for sharing! The ornaments are truly breathtaking! I love the candles but would be too afraid of fire! HA!
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Kathleen said...: So beautiful..! I'm also loving the floor and drapes..! Thanks for sharing..!
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Linda said...: Oh, my, Susan! I'm absolutely in awe of this tree. Thank you for sharing. It normally takes me about the same amount of time to pile on the ornaments on my own tree, but never would I have the nerve to light candles. It is so beautiful to see this old tradition revived. I just love these pics...What a find!

Hugs,
Linda at Beautiful Ideas
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...: Happy New year my sweet friend..may it be the best one ever for you and your family..I loved seeing this awesome tree and your so right where else but blogland can you sit in your old red robe and see Christmas around the world..Thanks for sharing..I had a very quiet Christmas and New years..Candace and the baby came over New years day for prime rib dinner..Love ya girl..Give Glenda my prayers and love..Gloria
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Anita @ Sweet Southern Breeze said...: Happy New Year! Thank you so much for sharing Cornelia's magnificent tree. It is truly a marvel that we can enjoy the beauty in so many lovely celebrations.
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , MsMoople said...: I am German and also keep the tree up until the 6th of January. We don't put the tree up until the 24th of December either.
My parents used to have real candles on the tree, but I am too scared. I have electric candles that look like real ones instead. Dry tree + real fire is not my idea of a relaxing evening. My mum's tree has ornaments that are heirlooms from my great grandmother. There is even one real gingerbread man left from her! (may have gone past it's sell by date now...wouldn't want to eat it).
Lovely tree.
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Olive said...: It is beautiful and brave.
At Tuesday, January 03, 2012 , Sewconsult said...: Being of Swiss ancestry, I always love when you show things from Cornelia! I love her ornaments. As someone else stated, I would have some protection under the tree to keep any ornaments from breaking if they fall.

Perhaps she is a distant cousin. Well, I can dream can't I? Morie was the family name or Moery as it was Americanized. My great grandfather arrived at Ellis Island (from Switzerland) at the age of 9, on the night that Pres. Lincoln was assassinated!
Beckie in Brentwood, TN
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , suzyq said...: This is why I love the the world of blog......everyday I see things in homes all around the world that I wouldn't have chance to share normally. Thankyou for your beautiful blog, Susan. Wishing you all the best for 2012.
Suzyq
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Andi's English Attic said...: Blogging certainly opens up a world of enchantment. The tree is beautiful, although I know I wouldn't have the nerve to light real candles.

BTW - thank you so much for the NY Champagne punch recipe. It was loved by all and my hostess skills were applauded just for the coloured sugar around the rim of the glass!
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Barbara Neubeck said...: Hi Susan,
Beautiful, beautiful tree.The heirloom ornaments are wonderful. What special memories to relive every Christmas. Love the candles!!! Thanks for showing us Cornelia's tree.
Happy 2012
God Bless
Barb from Australia
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Miss Char said...: Ok...that is the most beautiful tree I think I've ever seen. Wow!
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...: As a lover of everything Christmas, that tree is amazing. Each ornament is exquisite..a real showcase. i just love the real candles, but I don't think I would attempt that personally. Beautiful, beautiful! Thank you for introducing us to her beautiful treasures.
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Teresa said...: Lovely and makes you want to turn back the clock and calendar and relive Christmas again.
I have several Northern Europe friends who have real candles in their trees but I would never be brave enough.

It looks like Cornelia is in BNOP every year but this was a first for me.

Congratulations Cornelia and Thank you Susan. The Merriest Happy New Year to both.
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Lady Courtney said...: Gorgeous!!! I have used candles on a "Live" tree, which is only in the house the most two weeks, but it's only lit for a very short time. It's a wonderful tradition! Happy New Year! Donna
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , An Oasis in the Desert said...: Thank you so much, Susan, for sharing Cornelia's stunningly beautiful tree!
CAS
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Pam Kelley said...: Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos! Such a pretty tree with exquisite ornaments

love It
cheers
Pam Kelley
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Andi, that's great! :) Love hearing that!
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , laxsupermom said...: What a beautiful tree! The ornaments are just lovely, and the candlelights are gorgeous! I'd be too afraid to use real candles, but you can't argue with how pretty they are. Thanks for sharing.
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Anonymous said...: Hi --- This has been an eye-opener year for me on my laptop - first I discover all these amazing blog sites, then I get truly addicted to yours and so look forward to seeing what you've posted!

Then there special things - like Cornelia's beautiful tree. Noticed how it's shape is different than "lot" trees most of us are used to seeing. Those ornaments are amazing and truly the candles are just such a special touch!

Yahoo to 2012!
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Kathy Martin said...: Amazing tree! LOVE!
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Elizabeth said...: What a beautiful tree! You are so right only in blogland would I have the opportunity to see a tree in Switzerland. Thanks for sharing!
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Michele M./ Finch Rest said...: Absolutely breath-taking!

She has invested a great deal of time and money into that wonder - wow. Just beautiful.

My husband's family all wait till Epiphany as well.....I used to, but now have the habit of putting everything away while I have my husband home and on vacation!

Gorgeous post, thank you both for sharing this with us!
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Richard Cottrell said...: This tree picture made me happy and sad. Happy as it is my favorite tree I have seen this year, sad as I wish it was mine. I just love it all. Thoes old fashion balsam trees are so hard to find around here. I'm so jealous. Thanks for sharing. Richard from My Old Historic house.
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Anonymous said...: That was so sweet. Thank you for sharing! It is always such a treat to see what others around the world are doing to celebrate. Happy New Year!
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , christy said...: What a beautiful tree...it feels so old fashioned, I love it.
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Pat M said...: I love the look of her tree and the warmth of the room! Thanks to you and Cornelia for sharing this!
Hugs, GraceinAZ
At Wednesday, January 04, 2012 , Nann said...: This tree is not only amazing but gorgeous.And the time she took to do it. Wow. The ornaments are just beautiufl. Thankyou for sharing this with us.

Nann
At Thursday, January 05, 2012 , ❁Velma ~Down Our Country Road❁ said...: Goodness! I don't think I've ever seen a tree laden with so many ornaments. I can see why it takes her so long to get it decorated. It is a beautiful tree. And this is the first one I've seen with real candles.
It is interesting to see the traditions in other countries. Only with blogging! :)
At Monday, January 09, 2012 , Cass @ That Old House said...: What a stunning tree! But now, Susan, you have given me something else to worry about next Christmas -- that Cornelia's beautiful tree will burst into flames! do you know how FAST a fir tree burns?

My parents had friends who did this with their tree -- I'd always make sure I stood near an exit when they lit it.

Not that I am a worrier or anything... but oh MY that tree is gorgeous.

Our tree came down on Jan 7th, as we leave it up till Epiphany also.

Happy New Year!
Cass

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Jan 3, 2012

Christmas Tree Lit with Real Candles

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