An Alabama Couple’s Tree Decorating Tradition

Kaleen and Allen Riley love Christmas with all the decorations they can muster. At their home in Trussville, Alabama, Allen starts setting up themed trees in September, from a heavily flocked tree with bowing limbs to what he calls a vintage “shiny silver one with a color wheel like everybody’s maw-maw had in the window.

About a dozen tabletop and mini versions are tucked into nooks and crannies, keeping company with gingerbread houses, a festive miniature village, garland, wreaths, and knickknacks galore.