BellaOnline Forums Travel and Culture Southwest USA Christmas Tumbleweed Tree in the Southwest

It has been a tradition in the desert southwest to use the pesky tumpleweed as outdoor Christmas Decor. Some will use it in its natural state, and we have seen some spray painted, dusted with glitter and a few twinkle lights.

The problem some are having in recent years, the tumble weed is becoming extinct. Yep, Urban Sprawl is putting a demise to this desert weed.

It used to be the only way we could have something that resembled a snowman was to have some stacked tumbleweeds, spayed white.

Anyone have any new ideas for southwest Christmas Decor??

We have no lack of tumbleweeds here in Camp Verde. Lord, no. They are always rolling into my yard and then i carefully carry them away into the canyons. They hurt to touch, actually - I can't imagine decorating one!

maybe this is a yuma thing?

How about making one of those chicken wire Christmas trees?

Build a pyramid shape frame from wood, just three boards attached to three boards to stand them on.

Cover with chicken wire, staple the wire to the wood frame.
Using tissue papers cut in about 4 - 6" rounds, gently fold the rounds so a point forms in center - Do Not Crease!

Stuff the tissue in each hole of the wire so the point goes inside and the ruffled edge is on the outside. You need to have a needle and thread to thread through the points inside so the tissue will not blow away. You can use white or green tissue or a combination of any colors. Decorate as desired.

These make lovely Christmas trees. If you have a place to store the frame, you can use it year after year.

I like the idea of a plain, unadorned Festivus pole.

It's not very southwestern in nature though. Maybe a plain, unadorned cowboy hat on a pole?

Some people do decorate their saguaros, which i find cool.

Or cowboy boots stuffed with a Christmas Cactus plant.