When Franklin resident Jason Madden first became a single dad, he wanted to make sure the Christmas holiday was a joyful one for himself and Maggie, his 5-year-old daughter, in their new place. So he made sure to put up a tree. Today, his daughter has grown, and so has the number of Christmas trees in his home. “I usually have 24 trees that are six-feet or taller, plus a lot of tiny trees,” he says. Fortunately, Maggie, now 17, and family and friends help decorate. Jason prefers artificial trees over the real thing, and these days, it’s often hard to tell them apart. “I love real trees, but it would be a full-time job just to add water to all of them.”
Regardless of the type of tree, the real magic comes from the decorations, and trends seem to change every few years. For 2024, some of the top ones are using sustainable natural elements such as pinecones and dried flowers, adding vintage retro ornaments for a nostalgic feel, and incorporating wooden animals and other rustic elements for a cozy farmhouse aesthetic.
“When I decorate a tree, I always have a topper, and they used to be stars or an angel,” he says. “Now I like to use picks, and I have them coming out of the tops of all my trees. They add height and are unique.” {Christmas tree picks are decorative branches or sprays that you insert into the branches of your tree to enhance its fullness and add visual interest.}
Jason also decorates trees with garland or ribbons, or a mixture of both. “I also love to have big ornaments along with small ones, and do a theme using many of the same ornaments. I might have regular ball ornaments, but then I'll have bells too, along with something bigger and different like a sled.”
In order to keep costs down, he recommends buying decorations right after Christmas, when prices are discounted, and from dollar stores, garage sales and Facebook Marketplace, where you can really find many novel pieces.
Locally, one of his favorite stores is right in his hometown. “I get stuff all the time from The Painted Tree because they have Christmas items that you won't find in regular stores,” he says.
To see Jason’s amazing displays and gain inspiration, check out his Christmas videos on Instagram and TikTok. In addition to all the Christmas trees, he decorates every room in his entire house. Even their dogs, Ted and Zoe, get excited to see their red dog bowls and candy cane beds come back out.
“Do what makes you and your family happy,” he says. “To me, that’s seeing my daughter's face light up because she’s excited and proud of our home.”
“I usually have 24 trees that are six-feet or taller, plus a lot of tiny trees.”
Jason Madden is a Christmas enthusiast and decorator who resides in Franklin with his 17-year-old daughter. @christmasdesigns