New Year's Tree

A couple of years ago, as Christmas gave way to New Year's, Rhonda Johnstone had an inspiration. After the Pioneer, California, mother and her three kids took down the ornaments from their Christmas tree, they gave it a makeover.

Ethan, Eryn and Tessa (now 12, 10 and eight years old, respectively) helped curl ribbon and make blue bows. They tied them to the branches, along with party horns and balloons. Even the tree skirt was replaced. The only thing they kept was the string of colored lights weaving through the branches. Rhonda says her one rule was no red or green.

This year, the kids are eager for another New Year's tree, and Rhonda has already thought of new twists, like tying candy on the ends of the ribbon. She also points out the convenience of trimming your tree with what are essentially the makings of a New Year's party: "By the time the party's over, the tree will be undecorated."