Skip to content
  • HOME
  • THE DREAMER
    • CONTACT
  • DISCLOSURES
  • HOME
  • custom-logo
  • THE DREAMER
    • CONTACT
  • DISCLOSURES
Adventures

Christmas in Madison, Wisconsin

December 13, 2017December 13, 2017 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 10 comments
Christmas in Madison, Wisconsin

I remember visiting the state Christmas tree in Madison, Wisconsin when I was younger. It would fill the rotunda, so round and full. When I think back on cozy Christmas memories, those visits to Madison, Wisconsin at Christmastime top the list.

However, according to my parents it may have been one memory that became a family tradition in my head. They recently told me that we probably visited the state capitol only once or twice. You know how parents are: intent on taking away all of our joyful, happy childhood memories. 😉

I’ve thought about going back to back to Madison for the holidays to see the state Christmas tree again for awhile now, and this year was the perfect year to do it. 2017 has been less than magical (personally, I’m not talking state of the world here, although in some ways that fits, too) and I knew I needed do something festive; something to help slow down and reflect on the holidays ahead instead of just wishing the year to finally (finally! 🎉) be over.

I have a relative who lives in Madison and it turns out my mom had been thinking about visiting, too, so we decided to make it a girls weekend. We arrived in Madison on a Friday, so we woke up not-so-bright and not-so-early on Saturday to head out. It was a cold day, with a bitter, biting wind. We hurried around the building until we found the closest door to take us inside.

Reliving childhood memories and visiting Madison, Wisconsin in December to see the state Christmas tree in the rotunda! // dreams-etc.com

Reliving childhood memories and visiting Madison, Wisconsin in December to see the state Christmas tree in the rotunda! // dreams-etc.com

Reliving childhood memories and visiting Madison, Wisconsin in December to see the state Christmas tree in the rotunda! // dreams-etc.com

Reliving childhood memories and visiting Madison, Wisconsin in December to see the state Christmas tree in the rotunda! // dreams-etc.com

There it was! Not quite so big and tall as I remember–a different tree, and I’m a little taller now than I was back in the day. But still so beautiful.

Reliving childhood memories and visiting Madison, Wisconsin in December to see the state Christmas tree in the rotunda! // dreams-etc.com

In honor of the capitol’s 100th birthday, schoolchildren from around the state created ornaments to be used to decorate the tree. They had displays around the tree with one of the ornaments from each school, along with the name. I knew ahead of time that the school I attended when I lived in Wisconsin had sent in Christmas ornaments and as luck would have it, we walked in right by the display that had one of their ornaments!

Reliving childhood memories and visiting Madison, Wisconsin in December to see the state Christmas tree in the rotunda! // dreams-etc.com

Reliving childhood memories and visiting Madison, Wisconsin in December to see the state Christmas tree in the rotunda! // dreams-etc.com

We also visited the tree while a flute choir was playing. If you’ve been around here long enough you might know that I used to play the flute. I still do from time to time, especially during this time of year, because Christmas songs are so much fun to play! I thought the flute choir was a nice size and I loved listening to them! The flute is the best instrument ever, and you won’t be able to convince me otherwise.

As much as I loved seeing the tree, I also loved seeing all the kids who came with their parents to see it. As we left, a little girl walked in with her dad and my mom asked, “Do you think you were ever that young when you came to see it?”

I don’t know how old I was when we visited the tree, I just remember how majestic it was. As she skipped down the hall I hoped for her–and for the other kids–that the tree would be so big and magical that this one visit would seem like a childhood of visits, like it did for me years ago.

(Although I still think we went at least twice.)

What are some of your favorite childhood Christmas memories? I’d love if you shared them in the comments!

[Tweet “Lets relive those cozy, Christmas memories from our childhood. #merrychristmas #christmasmemories”]

Reliving childhood memories and visiting Madison, Wisconsin in December to see the state Christmas tree in the rotunda! // dreams-etc.com

 

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

Post navigation

September in Photos
Christmas Music Playlist 2017

10 comments

  1. Anthea says:
    December 13, 2017 at 5:32 am

    That Christmas tree looks so beautiful!
    Lovely photos – looks so festive 🙂

    Reply
  2. Ellen Ross @ Ask Away Blog says:
    December 13, 2017 at 7:27 am

    OMGGGG That tree is huge and awesome!

    Reply
  3. Belle Bermudez-Tubel says:
    December 13, 2017 at 10:22 am

    That Christmas tree is simply gorgeous and magical! I love the Christmas traditions that we always do back in the Philippines where we do house-hopping on Christmas day!

    Belle | One Awesome Momma

    Reply
  4. Cara Owens-Kindly Unspoken says:
    December 13, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    What a gorgeous Christmas tree! Sounds like a magical tradition!

    Reply
  5. Courtney A. Casto says:
    December 13, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    Wow, that is a gorgeous tree, especially in that space. I bet the music really fills up the rotunda too! I have very vague memories of going to downtown Pittsburgh when I was young to see the tree and Santa in the PPG building where my grandfather worked. Two years ago I went to the Biltmore Estate to see it decked out for Christmas and it was impressive!

    Reply
  6. Kuleigh says:
    December 13, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    Oh my gosh! That tree is HUGE. I love all the multicolored decorations. I’ve never really thought about going to some of the state offices to see their decor before.

    Reply
  7. Marissa Pedersen says:
    December 13, 2017 at 7:32 pm

    What a beautiful setting! I’d love to hear the flute choir.

    Reply
  8. The Haunted Housewife says:
    December 14, 2017 at 9:18 am

    That tree, and whole building, looks so magical! I’m not far from Madison, I’m in Whitewater currently. If I can, i may drive out to Madison to see the tree too! It’s goegeous!

    Reply
  9. Kate says:
    December 14, 2017 at 12:39 pm

    I love how they included ornaments from all the schools- that’s such a fun touch to bring everyone together this season!

    Reply
  10. Erica @ Coming up Roses says:
    December 14, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    What an EPIC tree!!! OMG!

    Reply

Share Your Thoughts! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

A low key Sunday: church, pizza with mom, phone ca A low key Sunday: church, pizza with mom, phone call with niece, dogs. What was your Sunday like?
Summer has never been my favorite season so I inte Summer has never been my favorite season so I intentionally try to find those moments that I enjoy. Here’s one from summer 2023: sitting outside and watching this bird couple care for their babies.
It’s true. Okay, Mina. Your human needs a hug. It’s true.

Okay, Mina. Your human needs a hug. And maybe we should consider taking more flattering videos of the two of us. 😂

.
.
.
#dogstagram #dogsofinsta #dogsofig #dogstagram #dogslife #dogsofinstaworld #dogscorner #dogsdaily #dogs_of_instagram #girlsbestfriend #ckcs #doglove #dogsdaily #dogslover #dogsandpals #dogsworld #dogsrule #dogsoninstagram #dogsarefamily
August. August.
July is over and I’m glad. I’m ready for summe July is over and I’m glad. I’m ready for summer to come to an end. I’m thankful that you can see Mina throughout the entire video…there were a few days in July that I wasn’t sure she would be around much longer. Hold your pups tight. 💙 #onesecondeveryday #onesecond #1secondeveryday #1se #monthinreview #videodiary
A rainy day is a special gift to readers. [Amy Mil A rainy day is a special gift to readers. [Amy Miles] 🌧️

What’s your rainy day (or night) read?
Saturday morning. Mim’s Cafe. Saturday morning. Mim’s Cafe.
June 2023. June 2023.
Here’s a little day trip to Wisconsin and time w Here’s a little day trip to Wisconsin and time with family.
See More Follow on Instagram

RECENT POSTS

  • The Summer Day by Mary Oliver
  • A Week in Idaho
  • Saying Goodbye to Crystal the Writer
  • The Day the Sorcerers Visited Baby Jesus
  • Thoughts on Hope

CATEGORIES

  • Adventures (53)
  • Beauty (16)
  • Books (147)
  • Creativity (58)
  • Entertainment (18)
  • Life (225)
  • Uncategorized (539)
  • Wellness (8)

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Follow
  • Book Review Policy
  • BOOKS
  • Contact
  • DISCLOSURES
  • Insta Links
  • Seint Links
  • THE DREAMER
Copyright © 2023 | All Rights Reserved | © 2023. All text and photos belong to Crystal Brutlag, unless otherwise stated. Theme designed by Little Theme Shop: https://littlethemeshop.com

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Dreams, etc. // Minneapolis Lifestyle Blog
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.