Brother Love

I grew up having an almost authentic Austrian Christmas in Australia....... only the cold and snow were missing! We celebrated on Christmas Eve, our gifts were brought by Kristkindl, and my mum made it a very special, mystical celebration. There was no tinsel or tacky trees, oh no, we had a very life like (though artificial) fir tree, wooden and glass ornaments and real candles burning on the tree - in 40 degree heat! 

Mum made or bought all our gifts but I believed for years that Kristkindl brought them all! 

For the first nine years of our parenthood, the Best Man and I lived on my parents property and we all celebrated Christmas together. Then when we moved a long way away and had our own Christmas with just our children, I wanted to find an idea for a special tradition for our little family - and so our Secret Person gift idea was born! 

I decided that we would put all our names in a hat, each of us would draw a name and then make something for our Secret Person. When we had lots of littlies, I mostly knew who had who because I was always called upon for ideas and help. But as they have gotten older and able to think and do for themselves, I have had some lovely surprises, seeing what they come up with!!  

Last Christmas, our then 15 year old son, Remo, made a really spectacular gift for our Fairy Girl who is completely enraptured with all things gnomey, fey and ethereal. He spent days in the shed painstakingly putting together the special gift you see here in the photos. 

Made from a birch branch found in the local birch forest (yes we have an old birch plantation near us - it's beautiful) and using pine rounds for the stairs, and old wardrobe walls for the platforms, it stands about 70cm high. I really LOVE that it's all made from repurposed or found materials! I think he ran out of time and didn't putty the screw holes in the top storeys but she doesn't seem to mind! 

Shown here without any accessories, due to it having been dragged outside for a clean and a photo shoot! I think it needs another wax and polish too! 

I first saw a very nice gnome home here and mentioned it to R last June, just before Miss Fairys birthday, but he was too busy. Then inspiration struck when he picked her name from the Christmas hat, and off he went! Yes, I knew about this gift because he needed a bit of input but I am so pleased how he put it all together and how much effort was put into it. 

If you have a doting big brother in your home (or a big sister), and maybe if you show them this post you might end up with a fancy timber gnome residence for your little one too!!