KEY POINTS:
A picture tells a thousand words but what does your Christmas tree say about you? Send us your Christmas tree photos for our online gallery and see what it reveals about your personality, according to psychologist Sara Chatwin.
Sara is a registered psychologist and runs her own clinic, Mindworks, in Auckland's Eastern Suburbs.
Send a picture of your tree to trees@nzherald.co.nz. We will run a gallery of the best, and a selection will be chosen to be analysed by Sara Chatwin. The best Christmas tree, as judged by our online team, will win a delicious selection of mini pannetoncinos from Sabato in Mt Eden.
>>See what Sara has to say about what different decorating styles mean
Here's what Sara has to say about some of our entries so far:
(For images click 'View Images' link to the right)
Amy Anderson: Good things come in small packages and Amy's tree is space conserving to say the least. But good on you, proud KIWI that you are! Amy is upholding her family's Xmas traditions, albeit in a lilliputian way! Well done, those Brits could learn a thing or two from your distinctly NZ adherence to traditions that you love.
Roslyn Park: What a great combination of decorative Xmas froth and recognition of the religious Xmas theme! Here is a person who has a nice balance in her Xmas decorations and perhaps in her life? People often forget the true meaning of Xmas... and just for a minute, when I gazed at Roslyn's offering, I remembered what it was REALLY all about! Hope Santa and Jesus give you the 'big ups' for remembering them equally!
NZ Herald Newsroom: Probably not deserving of a drum roll... in fact, not even deserving of a cold sausage roll! This tree looks decidedly like rats have been snacking on it for the past twelve months! However, perhaps what this tree does indicate, is that the Herald newsroom reporters and staff are working so hard that they didn't have a whole lot of time to focus on their tree. This tree may be a clear signal to those in positions of power... the tree is a visual glimpse of how the newsroom staff feel: "a little frazzled and rough round the edges... but hanging in there til the bitter end!" HAPPY LONG DESERVED HOLIDAY NEWSROOM STAFF.
Cath and Alex Pallas: WOW!! This has got to be a new take on ET's Xmas or perhaps an attempt at recreating the Waitomo Glow worms in your lounge! Fantastic and original. A Xmas tree that certainly makes a statement in its minimalist/ spartan kind of a way. This couple certainly think outside the square!
Kim and Jamie Sherlock's baby daughter's tree: How girly and sweet! It's particularly neat that you have made the effort to give your little girl a tree all of her own. Family values right from the start! Way to go!! I can hardly wait to see if this tradition that you have started for your daughter grows with momentum as the years go on!
Christine Smeath and Straight family: Even though these are separate entries it has to be said that it's so great to see ex pat Kiwis doing their part to keep the New Zealand spirit alive abroad! This is fantastic. This says something about our strong national identity, pride and patriotism, which ain't a bad thing and which makes me feel really warm and fuzzy as a New Zealander.
P.S. I really like the addition of Sir Peter Blake's RED SOCKS... he was an icon of mine and his energy and enthusiasm in this country is sorely missed!
Brent Hopwood: Brent has an intrinsic sense of fun and is not afraid to move out of his comfort zone, as exemplified by his quirky little Xmas tree that is distinctively different from the tradition pine! Brent may be a person who likes to stand out of the crowd, who is creative and who knows how to grab attention by putting a different/interesting twist on convention. A rebel without a cause???? Lets see what he presents next year before we jump to conclusions!
Darren Alexander: You know what they say about men with Large Xmas trees????.............They love Xmas! And certainly Darren may be sending his family and friends the message that he is expecting some pretty impressive gifts to compliment this 'Supersized tree". This may be the story of a guy with a 'child within' who loves the feelings and emotions that Xmas embodies. Good on you Darren, but be careful when removing your tree!
Alan Rodrigo: Here is an ordered soul who already has an impressive stash of gifts beneath that almost perfectly appointed tree! We have symmetry with the decorating of this tree and a repetition of the same decorations, which again suggests that Alan and his family are 'planners'! Alan with a Xmas tree like this, YOU could be the perfect partner!
Sue Schultz: This tree really makes a 'minimalist', "lone pine" kind of statement. I am really hoping this doesn't mean Xmas is a lonely time for Sue!? Although, there is no rule that says...." We are our Xmas Tree!!" Sue's Xmas tree offering really show an almost architectural flavour which combines attention for detail with stylish edge. Very Home and Garden Sue. Next year: Ellerslie Garden Show Gold Medallist!
The Gibson Family: This is a lovely 'family' tree with decorations that probably appeal to each and every family member. I would say that the women in the family had a little more say than the boys, by virtue of those pretty fairies with floaty pink skirts...and as they say...Girls can do anything! Well done Gibson's!
Surveyors and Planners: Well what can I say....hopefully this is a tongue n'cheek attempt at thumbing your nose at surveying and planning convention and NOT an advertisement for the business.....If it's the latter...Angela is in trouble! However, I do think this Xmas offering is the culmination of some creative, and perhaps eccentric work colleagues! It may also be the result of tree decorating too soon after the staff party!
See also:
>>Pictures: Christmas trees around the world
