Subscribe to this blog's feedI LOVE CHRISTMAS!
Well, I do, but I will also say Happy Holidays, Happy Hannukah and Happy Kwaanza to be respectful and, politically correct to those who celebrate the other Holidays in December. I celebrate Christmas, so I like to hear, “Merry Christmas” to me!
I very much get into the Season – decorating, baking cookies, sending cards and listening to my Christmas CDs. My very favorite is by Wynonna – elegantly traditional is the best way to describe her.
I am busy with Christmas things lately. As I wrote, I absolutely love Christmas and being just a “teensy” bit artistic – I tend to over do. If it isn’t moving – decorate it! I have decorated my room and have put my tree up too over the Thanksgiving weekend (my tradition). I have an artificial tree so it lasts! I like the smell of real pines but like the fact I can keep this tree up for a month until the New Year and Orthodox Christmas. I took these photos so you’ll get to see how nutty I am.
I have finished my Christmas cards so they are labeled and stamped and went into the mail on 12/01 – another of my traditions. I finished 95% of my gift buying already. So, all I need to do is wrap them but I am in no hurry for those.
And baking Christmas cookies will be my project after the 15th or so. I plan to do 5 main kinds: the press sugar cookies, the Italian white (almond and anisette), nut krispies, pepper chocolate cookies and chocolate chip. I am good at these and will also do 2 trays for the family Christmas party on the Eve.
The party started 30 years ago after my parents divorced because my father’s birthday is 12/25! We figured it would be the best way for all of his kids (8) to get together with him and celebrate his birthday and have Christmas. But the past 15 years it’s including my mother (Mom and Dad get along) and my half-brother (my Dad likes him) and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and in-laws from all the siblings, so it can range from 20 to 40 people! It’s a party!
This year, I am thinking to try nut rolls! OK, OK, I’m crazy. I love to bake but thank God I do not eat it all! Just a nibble here and there and then I do an extra 2 miles on my stationary bike to ease my conscience.
“A” photos
From left to right.
On the left of the bay windows of my room (where the tree is – see center photo), I have a set of 3 wall shelves. My favorite is the ceramic tree that Mom made me 20 years ago!
The center is a photo of the tree, which is not good to show the detail. The tree sits in the bay windows of my room which faces the front and is visible as you come up the drive. Being that I have WAY too much time and pretty artistic, the tree is a 6’ pre-lit silver tree and I added green pre-lit garland to tone down the shiny tree. I used all traditional glass ball ornaments – purple, blue, red, gold, silver, white and clear. I could not find green though! I only have put my Ukrainian Eggs on the tree as well as 4 collectable ornaments. The angel atop is white and silver and has fiber optic wings. I love this tree because it is so colorful and fun with all the multi-color lights and ornaments.
On the right is my 3 wall shelves to the right of the bay window and tree with a good photo of my wooden wall unit shelves. My favorites here are: On the very top – my 2 Santas. And on the 4th shelf down, my silver tea set
“B” photos
The top photo is of the wall right over the head of my bed. I put velvety poinsettia garland – 4” on each of my cowboy hats. I have 2 big stockings on the doors of my wardrobe (left) and put one with gold tinsel between the 2 big paintings. On the far right night stand, I have red garland wrapped around the tall dry grass assortment with a plush snowman trio that sings “Sleigh Bells.”
This photo is showing the foot of my bed where the TV and stereo sit. I continued with the poinsettia garland on my cowboy hats (I have 8) On the TV is a ceramic angel with fiber optic wings that my sister Arlene gave me, and in the center I have a stack of gift boxes with tassels. This tower of boxes – I have 3, 2 others are on the top shelve near the bay windows next to my speakers.
“C” photos
The top is a photo just below the right shelves of the bay window and the tree in the space between the wooden shelf unit. I have a little 3-tiered table with Christmas figurines and then to the right (on the floor), I have 3 plush musical figures.
The bottom is a close-up of the tree. I wish the photo was clearer and better so you could see how beautiful it is!! I am going to try to take more!!