Susan here, not the least bit ready for Christmas 2017, though it’s December 1st already and it’s time to be thinking about holiday matters (but the last couple of months vanished quickly, and December is taking my family by surprise this year). This weekend I hope we can catch up to the date and the spirit of things by bringing out the boxes of Christmas ornaments and getting the tree and wreaths up, and that will jumpstart my Christmas mood. I so love going through the ornaments, many of which carry wonderful memories, and when it’s all done and up, I adore the bright array of lights, decorations, beads and ribbons. There are few things lovelier or more special than a glowing Christmas tree in the quiet dark of night or before dawn. There's hope and peace in it that fills the home and the heart.
How long have we been hanging glittery bits and gewgaws on our Christmas trees? A glance into the history of Christmas ornaments and decorations points to the 16th century origin of the Christmas tree in Germany as a triangular symbol of the Holy Trinity, a tradition that expanded as decorations were included, such as roses, candles, cakes toys and other bright things. By the late 19th century, the Victorian Christmas tree was a marvelous thing to behold, with strings of cranberries and nuts and handmade ornaments, as well as candles all a-glow (though I cannot imagine having a relaxing Christmas holiday with flaming candles sitting on evergreen branches in the house!).
The custom of incorporating lights, evergreens and decorations at Yuletide goes back much further than Renaissance Europe, way back to Anglo-Saxon England, Celtic Scotland, back beyond Christian custom to the winter feast days of pagan worship among Celts, Druids and Vikings. The Yule log (and the name) came to Britain from Norse tradition, and the Saxons had a similar equivalent. The old gods and goddesses of pagan religions were believed to exist in the flames and sparks, and so these were carefully tended and coals were preserved for the year.
Today Yule logs may simply be cozy flames in the fireplace (or a rolled chocolate cake with creamy icing) – back then 
people stoked an enormous Yule log’s fire for twelve days straight to keep the bogles and bad spirits of winter away. In medieval Scotland, very early on, evergreens were considered sacred, a lasting legacy of the Druids who were all but wiped out by Roman persecution. Generally evergreen trunks were not cut, but over the days of Yule, a great log would be found and dragged in to fill the hearth and keep a protective fire burning within the household for twelve days—this a Christian custom based on the date of the Epiphany, generally celebrated on January 5th or 6th, depending on whether the first day of Yuletide, or Christmastide, is counted as December 25th or 26th (which can vary by region).
In medieval Scotland, where traditions of Celts, Druids, Vikings, and Christianity combined, great halls would be decorated with swags of juniper to cleanse and purify the household, rowan branches for luck and protection, holly for health, and mistletoe for fertility and more good luck for the coming year. There's an old tradition in Scotland of tying ribbons and bits of string year-round to a tree beside a 
healing well to represent prayers and wishes; I wonder if some of that early tradition was transferred later to the eventual Christmas tree. As for lights — pine sap torches would brighten the hall and the best beeswax candles, with their golden honey glow, would be set in the windows to welcome travelers in from the cold. With bad spirits warded off and good spirits invited in, the old year would end and the new one begin under the best graces and auspices.
Many of these old traditions are very much part of our modern Christmas decorations 
– greenery, holly, mistletoe, berries (Australians love cherries at Christmas, where it’s summertime); we keep lights and candles in the windows, and many of us leave our decorations up until Twelfth Day. And we hang wreaths of evergreen, the circular wreath going far back in history to the laurel wreaths of the Greeks and Romans, representing strength and victory, and the evergreen wreaths woven in medieval and later centuries as a circular symbol of the infinite nature of God.
This year, the tree in our living room will be decorated with white lights, angels, 
snowflakes, and tartan ribbons. We’ll change the tree theme from year to year – sometimes it’s all toys and whimsy and red bows, sometimes it’s pearl strands and Victorian pretties – but I love my angel tree best, as I’ve collected angel ornaments for years. Glass, silver, china, brass, handmade, those angels, like so many other holiday ornaments, are like good luck tokens at Christmas, little magical charms that grace the home and the family with a sense of protection and blessing, lifting up our spirits as the old year ends and the new year comes in, bringing surprises and, we hope, even more blessings.
What are your favorite ornaments and decorating traditions? Do you leave the tree and the whole lovely Christmasy chaos up through January 6th — or do you clear it all out to start your new year with a clean slate?
Hope your holidays are joyful and 2018 is filled with good fortune!
Susan
My immediate family never had a tree when I was growing up (very long story) but my grandma (whom I adored) always had a big one with lots of lights and pretty and handmade ornaments. When I got a house of my own, I HAD to have a tree. It’s just not Christmas in my mind without it because it always takes me back to Grandma and making sweet things and sitting in the dark with just the lights of the tree. I put it up the day after Thanksgiving (always) and I keep it up until mid-January. It takes me that long to turn loose of it. LOL I don’t have favorite ornaments, just the lighted tree itself. The rest are like earrings. How ever I feel today is what goes up…
My immediate family never had a tree when I was growing up (very long story) but my grandma (whom I adored) always had a big one with lots of lights and pretty and handmade ornaments. When I got a house of my own, I HAD to have a tree. It’s just not Christmas in my mind without it because it always takes me back to Grandma and making sweet things and sitting in the dark with just the lights of the tree. I put it up the day after Thanksgiving (always) and I keep it up until mid-January. It takes me that long to turn loose of it. LOL I don’t have favorite ornaments, just the lighted tree itself. The rest are like earrings. How ever I feel today is what goes up…
My immediate family never had a tree when I was growing up (very long story) but my grandma (whom I adored) always had a big one with lots of lights and pretty and handmade ornaments. When I got a house of my own, I HAD to have a tree. It’s just not Christmas in my mind without it because it always takes me back to Grandma and making sweet things and sitting in the dark with just the lights of the tree. I put it up the day after Thanksgiving (always) and I keep it up until mid-January. It takes me that long to turn loose of it. LOL I don’t have favorite ornaments, just the lighted tree itself. The rest are like earrings. How ever I feel today is what goes up…
My immediate family never had a tree when I was growing up (very long story) but my grandma (whom I adored) always had a big one with lots of lights and pretty and handmade ornaments. When I got a house of my own, I HAD to have a tree. It’s just not Christmas in my mind without it because it always takes me back to Grandma and making sweet things and sitting in the dark with just the lights of the tree. I put it up the day after Thanksgiving (always) and I keep it up until mid-January. It takes me that long to turn loose of it. LOL I don’t have favorite ornaments, just the lighted tree itself. The rest are like earrings. How ever I feel today is what goes up…
My immediate family never had a tree when I was growing up (very long story) but my grandma (whom I adored) always had a big one with lots of lights and pretty and handmade ornaments. When I got a house of my own, I HAD to have a tree. It’s just not Christmas in my mind without it because it always takes me back to Grandma and making sweet things and sitting in the dark with just the lights of the tree. I put it up the day after Thanksgiving (always) and I keep it up until mid-January. It takes me that long to turn loose of it. LOL I don’t have favorite ornaments, just the lighted tree itself. The rest are like earrings. How ever I feel today is what goes up…
I can’t imagine Christmas without a tree, which includes memories of cats bringing down trees that were inadequately moored when I was a kid. *G* I learned the importance of guy wires from that!
One of the traditions I love though I practice it minimally these days is that of the light in the window to guide travelers home. In fact, that inspired the title of my CHRISTMAS CANDLES title, with two stories set far apart in time and place that had candles to beckon the wanderers back home. Such a lovely thought!
I can’t imagine Christmas without a tree, which includes memories of cats bringing down trees that were inadequately moored when I was a kid. *G* I learned the importance of guy wires from that!
One of the traditions I love though I practice it minimally these days is that of the light in the window to guide travelers home. In fact, that inspired the title of my CHRISTMAS CANDLES title, with two stories set far apart in time and place that had candles to beckon the wanderers back home. Such a lovely thought!
I can’t imagine Christmas without a tree, which includes memories of cats bringing down trees that were inadequately moored when I was a kid. *G* I learned the importance of guy wires from that!
One of the traditions I love though I practice it minimally these days is that of the light in the window to guide travelers home. In fact, that inspired the title of my CHRISTMAS CANDLES title, with two stories set far apart in time and place that had candles to beckon the wanderers back home. Such a lovely thought!
I can’t imagine Christmas without a tree, which includes memories of cats bringing down trees that were inadequately moored when I was a kid. *G* I learned the importance of guy wires from that!
One of the traditions I love though I practice it minimally these days is that of the light in the window to guide travelers home. In fact, that inspired the title of my CHRISTMAS CANDLES title, with two stories set far apart in time and place that had candles to beckon the wanderers back home. Such a lovely thought!
I can’t imagine Christmas without a tree, which includes memories of cats bringing down trees that were inadequately moored when I was a kid. *G* I learned the importance of guy wires from that!
One of the traditions I love though I practice it minimally these days is that of the light in the window to guide travelers home. In fact, that inspired the title of my CHRISTMAS CANDLES title, with two stories set far apart in time and place that had candles to beckon the wanderers back home. Such a lovely thought!
We don’t do a tree or decorations anymore — one of the perils of advanced age
But I still keep planning to do so in my mind. — “the spirit is willing, but the body is weak” and probably misquoted.
One of our traditions that I failed to pass on the the grandchildren and the great grandchildren. I gave each of my children a new ornament of their very own each Christmas. When each child grew up and established a home of their own, he or she had a small set of starter ornaments for the new tree in the new home.
We all have memories of ornaments I had brought to our trees from the trees I remembered growing up, the starter set of their own ornaments was a good continuation of those passed down memories.
We don’t do a tree or decorations anymore — one of the perils of advanced age
But I still keep planning to do so in my mind. — “the spirit is willing, but the body is weak” and probably misquoted.
One of our traditions that I failed to pass on the the grandchildren and the great grandchildren. I gave each of my children a new ornament of their very own each Christmas. When each child grew up and established a home of their own, he or she had a small set of starter ornaments for the new tree in the new home.
We all have memories of ornaments I had brought to our trees from the trees I remembered growing up, the starter set of their own ornaments was a good continuation of those passed down memories.
We don’t do a tree or decorations anymore — one of the perils of advanced age
But I still keep planning to do so in my mind. — “the spirit is willing, but the body is weak” and probably misquoted.
One of our traditions that I failed to pass on the the grandchildren and the great grandchildren. I gave each of my children a new ornament of their very own each Christmas. When each child grew up and established a home of their own, he or she had a small set of starter ornaments for the new tree in the new home.
We all have memories of ornaments I had brought to our trees from the trees I remembered growing up, the starter set of their own ornaments was a good continuation of those passed down memories.
We don’t do a tree or decorations anymore — one of the perils of advanced age
But I still keep planning to do so in my mind. — “the spirit is willing, but the body is weak” and probably misquoted.
One of our traditions that I failed to pass on the the grandchildren and the great grandchildren. I gave each of my children a new ornament of their very own each Christmas. When each child grew up and established a home of their own, he or she had a small set of starter ornaments for the new tree in the new home.
We all have memories of ornaments I had brought to our trees from the trees I remembered growing up, the starter set of their own ornaments was a good continuation of those passed down memories.
We don’t do a tree or decorations anymore — one of the perils of advanced age
But I still keep planning to do so in my mind. — “the spirit is willing, but the body is weak” and probably misquoted.
One of our traditions that I failed to pass on the the grandchildren and the great grandchildren. I gave each of my children a new ornament of their very own each Christmas. When each child grew up and established a home of their own, he or she had a small set of starter ornaments for the new tree in the new home.
We all have memories of ornaments I had brought to our trees from the trees I remembered growing up, the starter set of their own ornaments was a good continuation of those passed down memories.
Like Sue above, I don’t put up a Christmas tree anymore – my achy old bones protest too much. But it hasn’t lessened my Christmas spirit one iota.
I LOVE CHRISTMAS. There are some Christmas decorations I keep on my shelves all year long. I’m the type of gal who enjoys a good Christmas story – even in the middle of August.
For many years I hosted the family Christmas Eve party. It was a lot of work, but I loved it. The kids have taken that over, and I didn’t mind giving it up. It had become quite a chore the last few years I did it – and Christmas should never be a chore.
One of my favorite Christmas movies is A CHRISTMAS STORY. I think I love it so much because the world shown in that movie is the one I remember from my own childhood. From the black smoke coming out of the chimneys, to the voluminous snow suits, to the father fighting with the furnace, to the box of Oxydol siting on the kitchen sink, it looks like the world I remember as a child.
Like Sue above, I don’t put up a Christmas tree anymore – my achy old bones protest too much. But it hasn’t lessened my Christmas spirit one iota.
I LOVE CHRISTMAS. There are some Christmas decorations I keep on my shelves all year long. I’m the type of gal who enjoys a good Christmas story – even in the middle of August.
For many years I hosted the family Christmas Eve party. It was a lot of work, but I loved it. The kids have taken that over, and I didn’t mind giving it up. It had become quite a chore the last few years I did it – and Christmas should never be a chore.
One of my favorite Christmas movies is A CHRISTMAS STORY. I think I love it so much because the world shown in that movie is the one I remember from my own childhood. From the black smoke coming out of the chimneys, to the voluminous snow suits, to the father fighting with the furnace, to the box of Oxydol siting on the kitchen sink, it looks like the world I remember as a child.
Like Sue above, I don’t put up a Christmas tree anymore – my achy old bones protest too much. But it hasn’t lessened my Christmas spirit one iota.
I LOVE CHRISTMAS. There are some Christmas decorations I keep on my shelves all year long. I’m the type of gal who enjoys a good Christmas story – even in the middle of August.
For many years I hosted the family Christmas Eve party. It was a lot of work, but I loved it. The kids have taken that over, and I didn’t mind giving it up. It had become quite a chore the last few years I did it – and Christmas should never be a chore.
One of my favorite Christmas movies is A CHRISTMAS STORY. I think I love it so much because the world shown in that movie is the one I remember from my own childhood. From the black smoke coming out of the chimneys, to the voluminous snow suits, to the father fighting with the furnace, to the box of Oxydol siting on the kitchen sink, it looks like the world I remember as a child.
Like Sue above, I don’t put up a Christmas tree anymore – my achy old bones protest too much. But it hasn’t lessened my Christmas spirit one iota.
I LOVE CHRISTMAS. There are some Christmas decorations I keep on my shelves all year long. I’m the type of gal who enjoys a good Christmas story – even in the middle of August.
For many years I hosted the family Christmas Eve party. It was a lot of work, but I loved it. The kids have taken that over, and I didn’t mind giving it up. It had become quite a chore the last few years I did it – and Christmas should never be a chore.
One of my favorite Christmas movies is A CHRISTMAS STORY. I think I love it so much because the world shown in that movie is the one I remember from my own childhood. From the black smoke coming out of the chimneys, to the voluminous snow suits, to the father fighting with the furnace, to the box of Oxydol siting on the kitchen sink, it looks like the world I remember as a child.
Like Sue above, I don’t put up a Christmas tree anymore – my achy old bones protest too much. But it hasn’t lessened my Christmas spirit one iota.
I LOVE CHRISTMAS. There are some Christmas decorations I keep on my shelves all year long. I’m the type of gal who enjoys a good Christmas story – even in the middle of August.
For many years I hosted the family Christmas Eve party. It was a lot of work, but I loved it. The kids have taken that over, and I didn’t mind giving it up. It had become quite a chore the last few years I did it – and Christmas should never be a chore.
One of my favorite Christmas movies is A CHRISTMAS STORY. I think I love it so much because the world shown in that movie is the one I remember from my own childhood. From the black smoke coming out of the chimneys, to the voluminous snow suits, to the father fighting with the furnace, to the box of Oxydol siting on the kitchen sink, it looks like the world I remember as a child.
The 6th of January is Christmas Eve in Eastern Europe (not just for Orthodox people – a common misconception)! A terrible day to take the tree down. 🙂
Ours stays up until the “second New Year”. It is supposed to be up even longer than that, but a couple of months is getting a little ridiculous!
The 6th of January is Christmas Eve in Eastern Europe (not just for Orthodox people – a common misconception)! A terrible day to take the tree down. 🙂
Ours stays up until the “second New Year”. It is supposed to be up even longer than that, but a couple of months is getting a little ridiculous!
The 6th of January is Christmas Eve in Eastern Europe (not just for Orthodox people – a common misconception)! A terrible day to take the tree down. 🙂
Ours stays up until the “second New Year”. It is supposed to be up even longer than that, but a couple of months is getting a little ridiculous!
The 6th of January is Christmas Eve in Eastern Europe (not just for Orthodox people – a common misconception)! A terrible day to take the tree down. 🙂
Ours stays up until the “second New Year”. It is supposed to be up even longer than that, but a couple of months is getting a little ridiculous!
The 6th of January is Christmas Eve in Eastern Europe (not just for Orthodox people – a common misconception)! A terrible day to take the tree down. 🙂
Ours stays up until the “second New Year”. It is supposed to be up even longer than that, but a couple of months is getting a little ridiculous!
Lovely blog, Susan. I loved that you mentioned how Australians have cherries at Christmas. One of the little rituals I have is to fill a special bowl with cherries — the same bowl every year, a Chinese bowl that my mother gave me many years ago, from when they used to live in Penang, in Malaysia.
Mary Jo, I too love the idea of placing the candle in the window to welcome travelers. In fact, my first Christmas story began with just that — a little girl placing a candle in the window. I wanted to call it “Candle in the Window” but my ed at the time had a preference for titles that were The Adjective Noun, so the story was called The Virtuous Widow.
Lovely blog, Susan. I loved that you mentioned how Australians have cherries at Christmas. One of the little rituals I have is to fill a special bowl with cherries — the same bowl every year, a Chinese bowl that my mother gave me many years ago, from when they used to live in Penang, in Malaysia.
Mary Jo, I too love the idea of placing the candle in the window to welcome travelers. In fact, my first Christmas story began with just that — a little girl placing a candle in the window. I wanted to call it “Candle in the Window” but my ed at the time had a preference for titles that were The Adjective Noun, so the story was called The Virtuous Widow.
Lovely blog, Susan. I loved that you mentioned how Australians have cherries at Christmas. One of the little rituals I have is to fill a special bowl with cherries — the same bowl every year, a Chinese bowl that my mother gave me many years ago, from when they used to live in Penang, in Malaysia.
Mary Jo, I too love the idea of placing the candle in the window to welcome travelers. In fact, my first Christmas story began with just that — a little girl placing a candle in the window. I wanted to call it “Candle in the Window” but my ed at the time had a preference for titles that were The Adjective Noun, so the story was called The Virtuous Widow.
Lovely blog, Susan. I loved that you mentioned how Australians have cherries at Christmas. One of the little rituals I have is to fill a special bowl with cherries — the same bowl every year, a Chinese bowl that my mother gave me many years ago, from when they used to live in Penang, in Malaysia.
Mary Jo, I too love the idea of placing the candle in the window to welcome travelers. In fact, my first Christmas story began with just that — a little girl placing a candle in the window. I wanted to call it “Candle in the Window” but my ed at the time had a preference for titles that were The Adjective Noun, so the story was called The Virtuous Widow.
Lovely blog, Susan. I loved that you mentioned how Australians have cherries at Christmas. One of the little rituals I have is to fill a special bowl with cherries — the same bowl every year, a Chinese bowl that my mother gave me many years ago, from when they used to live in Penang, in Malaysia.
Mary Jo, I too love the idea of placing the candle in the window to welcome travelers. In fact, my first Christmas story began with just that — a little girl placing a candle in the window. I wanted to call it “Candle in the Window” but my ed at the time had a preference for titles that were The Adjective Noun, so the story was called The Virtuous Widow.
Sue, in recent years I’ve scaled back on the Christmas decorations, but have found I get much the same enjoyment from a miniature display. I love the sharp, piney fragrance of a real tree, but those years when I haven’t had one, I’ve compromised with a few small branch tips grown from big old trees growing at the side of the road. Pop them in a vase with a twist of tinsel — or just plain, without any ornament, and it’s the scent of Christmas for me.
Sue, in recent years I’ve scaled back on the Christmas decorations, but have found I get much the same enjoyment from a miniature display. I love the sharp, piney fragrance of a real tree, but those years when I haven’t had one, I’ve compromised with a few small branch tips grown from big old trees growing at the side of the road. Pop them in a vase with a twist of tinsel — or just plain, without any ornament, and it’s the scent of Christmas for me.
Sue, in recent years I’ve scaled back on the Christmas decorations, but have found I get much the same enjoyment from a miniature display. I love the sharp, piney fragrance of a real tree, but those years when I haven’t had one, I’ve compromised with a few small branch tips grown from big old trees growing at the side of the road. Pop them in a vase with a twist of tinsel — or just plain, without any ornament, and it’s the scent of Christmas for me.
Sue, in recent years I’ve scaled back on the Christmas decorations, but have found I get much the same enjoyment from a miniature display. I love the sharp, piney fragrance of a real tree, but those years when I haven’t had one, I’ve compromised with a few small branch tips grown from big old trees growing at the side of the road. Pop them in a vase with a twist of tinsel — or just plain, without any ornament, and it’s the scent of Christmas for me.
Sue, in recent years I’ve scaled back on the Christmas decorations, but have found I get much the same enjoyment from a miniature display. I love the sharp, piney fragrance of a real tree, but those years when I haven’t had one, I’ve compromised with a few small branch tips grown from big old trees growing at the side of the road. Pop them in a vase with a twist of tinsel — or just plain, without any ornament, and it’s the scent of Christmas for me.
I am a big fan of Christmas decorations.
But, as has been discussed here, time has passed, I live alone and so in my infinite wisdom, I decided to cut back.
I gave away the big pre-lit tree. I divided my tree decorations between family members. Surprise, surprise when I went to get the decorations out to put up my much smaller tree, I did not have enough. It seems in my speed to spread the cheer, I left very few for me. But, there are worse things than a sort of bare tree.
I still have all the Santa mugs, and the musical snow globes and the Christmas decorative tins.
I am going to be giving my huge collection of decorative tins and advertising tins to the Salvation Army.
Strangely enough, my family has reached their limit….”Please Mom, no more!”
And Mary T is absolutely right. I love nearly all Christmas movies, but A Christmas Story is from a time which is very familiar to me. The scenery and decor are right for my childhood.
I am a big fan of Christmas decorations.
But, as has been discussed here, time has passed, I live alone and so in my infinite wisdom, I decided to cut back.
I gave away the big pre-lit tree. I divided my tree decorations between family members. Surprise, surprise when I went to get the decorations out to put up my much smaller tree, I did not have enough. It seems in my speed to spread the cheer, I left very few for me. But, there are worse things than a sort of bare tree.
I still have all the Santa mugs, and the musical snow globes and the Christmas decorative tins.
I am going to be giving my huge collection of decorative tins and advertising tins to the Salvation Army.
Strangely enough, my family has reached their limit….”Please Mom, no more!”
And Mary T is absolutely right. I love nearly all Christmas movies, but A Christmas Story is from a time which is very familiar to me. The scenery and decor are right for my childhood.
I am a big fan of Christmas decorations.
But, as has been discussed here, time has passed, I live alone and so in my infinite wisdom, I decided to cut back.
I gave away the big pre-lit tree. I divided my tree decorations between family members. Surprise, surprise when I went to get the decorations out to put up my much smaller tree, I did not have enough. It seems in my speed to spread the cheer, I left very few for me. But, there are worse things than a sort of bare tree.
I still have all the Santa mugs, and the musical snow globes and the Christmas decorative tins.
I am going to be giving my huge collection of decorative tins and advertising tins to the Salvation Army.
Strangely enough, my family has reached their limit….”Please Mom, no more!”
And Mary T is absolutely right. I love nearly all Christmas movies, but A Christmas Story is from a time which is very familiar to me. The scenery and decor are right for my childhood.
I am a big fan of Christmas decorations.
But, as has been discussed here, time has passed, I live alone and so in my infinite wisdom, I decided to cut back.
I gave away the big pre-lit tree. I divided my tree decorations between family members. Surprise, surprise when I went to get the decorations out to put up my much smaller tree, I did not have enough. It seems in my speed to spread the cheer, I left very few for me. But, there are worse things than a sort of bare tree.
I still have all the Santa mugs, and the musical snow globes and the Christmas decorative tins.
I am going to be giving my huge collection of decorative tins and advertising tins to the Salvation Army.
Strangely enough, my family has reached their limit….”Please Mom, no more!”
And Mary T is absolutely right. I love nearly all Christmas movies, but A Christmas Story is from a time which is very familiar to me. The scenery and decor are right for my childhood.
I am a big fan of Christmas decorations.
But, as has been discussed here, time has passed, I live alone and so in my infinite wisdom, I decided to cut back.
I gave away the big pre-lit tree. I divided my tree decorations between family members. Surprise, surprise when I went to get the decorations out to put up my much smaller tree, I did not have enough. It seems in my speed to spread the cheer, I left very few for me. But, there are worse things than a sort of bare tree.
I still have all the Santa mugs, and the musical snow globes and the Christmas decorative tins.
I am going to be giving my huge collection of decorative tins and advertising tins to the Salvation Army.
Strangely enough, my family has reached their limit….”Please Mom, no more!”
And Mary T is absolutely right. I love nearly all Christmas movies, but A Christmas Story is from a time which is very familiar to me. The scenery and decor are right for my childhood.
We tend to put up our (artificial) tree sometime between early and mid December and then keep it up until about January 6. We decided when our daughter was young that one year we would have a real tree; we did that when she was about thirteen and it was wonderful to have that real tree scent in the house. An illuminated Christmas tree is so inviting (and makes a wonderful nightlight), and I miss it when it’s gone.
Happy holidays to you all!
We tend to put up our (artificial) tree sometime between early and mid December and then keep it up until about January 6. We decided when our daughter was young that one year we would have a real tree; we did that when she was about thirteen and it was wonderful to have that real tree scent in the house. An illuminated Christmas tree is so inviting (and makes a wonderful nightlight), and I miss it when it’s gone.
Happy holidays to you all!
We tend to put up our (artificial) tree sometime between early and mid December and then keep it up until about January 6. We decided when our daughter was young that one year we would have a real tree; we did that when she was about thirteen and it was wonderful to have that real tree scent in the house. An illuminated Christmas tree is so inviting (and makes a wonderful nightlight), and I miss it when it’s gone.
Happy holidays to you all!
We tend to put up our (artificial) tree sometime between early and mid December and then keep it up until about January 6. We decided when our daughter was young that one year we would have a real tree; we did that when she was about thirteen and it was wonderful to have that real tree scent in the house. An illuminated Christmas tree is so inviting (and makes a wonderful nightlight), and I miss it when it’s gone.
Happy holidays to you all!
We tend to put up our (artificial) tree sometime between early and mid December and then keep it up until about January 6. We decided when our daughter was young that one year we would have a real tree; we did that when she was about thirteen and it was wonderful to have that real tree scent in the house. An illuminated Christmas tree is so inviting (and makes a wonderful nightlight), and I miss it when it’s gone.
Happy holidays to you all!
Christmas is important in our house and to our second daughter especially. She believes in all the magic of it and she’s in charge of all the decorating. We have had the same decorations for many years but we always buy two new ones every year. There are even some the children made in school many years ago. Our decorations are up until around the tenth of January. Old tradition here in Ireland says never take them down before the sixth. It’s bad luck. My daughter gets as much as she can out of it.
My eldest daughter’s partner is Australian. They were here for Christmas a couple of years back. She told me later he said it was EXACTLY as he imagined Christmas in a cold winter climate was and he loved it.
Looking forward to the hols and rest and lots of lovely uninterrupted reading.
Christmas is important in our house and to our second daughter especially. She believes in all the magic of it and she’s in charge of all the decorating. We have had the same decorations for many years but we always buy two new ones every year. There are even some the children made in school many years ago. Our decorations are up until around the tenth of January. Old tradition here in Ireland says never take them down before the sixth. It’s bad luck. My daughter gets as much as she can out of it.
My eldest daughter’s partner is Australian. They were here for Christmas a couple of years back. She told me later he said it was EXACTLY as he imagined Christmas in a cold winter climate was and he loved it.
Looking forward to the hols and rest and lots of lovely uninterrupted reading.
Christmas is important in our house and to our second daughter especially. She believes in all the magic of it and she’s in charge of all the decorating. We have had the same decorations for many years but we always buy two new ones every year. There are even some the children made in school many years ago. Our decorations are up until around the tenth of January. Old tradition here in Ireland says never take them down before the sixth. It’s bad luck. My daughter gets as much as she can out of it.
My eldest daughter’s partner is Australian. They were here for Christmas a couple of years back. She told me later he said it was EXACTLY as he imagined Christmas in a cold winter climate was and he loved it.
Looking forward to the hols and rest and lots of lovely uninterrupted reading.
Christmas is important in our house and to our second daughter especially. She believes in all the magic of it and she’s in charge of all the decorating. We have had the same decorations for many years but we always buy two new ones every year. There are even some the children made in school many years ago. Our decorations are up until around the tenth of January. Old tradition here in Ireland says never take them down before the sixth. It’s bad luck. My daughter gets as much as she can out of it.
My eldest daughter’s partner is Australian. They were here for Christmas a couple of years back. She told me later he said it was EXACTLY as he imagined Christmas in a cold winter climate was and he loved it.
Looking forward to the hols and rest and lots of lovely uninterrupted reading.
Christmas is important in our house and to our second daughter especially. She believes in all the magic of it and she’s in charge of all the decorating. We have had the same decorations for many years but we always buy two new ones every year. There are even some the children made in school many years ago. Our decorations are up until around the tenth of January. Old tradition here in Ireland says never take them down before the sixth. It’s bad luck. My daughter gets as much as she can out of it.
My eldest daughter’s partner is Australian. They were here for Christmas a couple of years back. She told me later he said it was EXACTLY as he imagined Christmas in a cold winter climate was and he loved it.
Looking forward to the hols and rest and lots of lovely uninterrupted reading.
What a lovely blog and wonderful responses. As we’ve aged (and without children (except our own ‘children at heart’ hearts) we’ve also cut back on decorations – same “spirit but flesh” idea expressed earlier. I do like a wreath and some kind of hearth basket with greenery. At the farm we still have a live blue spruce small enough to decorate with lights at least. Both of our mothers adored Christmas so we remember them with our decorating efforts. For both mothers, special Christmas sweets were important and part of the decorations. Bill’s mom was a fantastic cook and her baked goods were simply wonderful. My mom had a few specialties – a fruit/cranberry/jello salad was and is a holiday tradition. Mom also decorated with sweets and two have special meaning. In later years she always had unbelievably fine spun ribbon candy in wonderful colors and flavors on a small silver plate and a dish of sugared dates stuffed with walnuts. That last had often been her gift to my dad when she could not afford to buy him a Christmas gift. Something about that simple homemade sweet spells “love” to me. We looked long and hard for ribbon candy locally to no avail this year but were directed to a long established hand made candy shop in Lansing, MI (by the granddaughter of the owner who happened to work at one of Bill’s doctor’s office) and were able to purchase cinnamon, anise, clove, sassafras, wintergreen and spearmint. They had fourteen flavors to choose from 🙂 and were almost as fine spun as I remember. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.
What a lovely blog and wonderful responses. As we’ve aged (and without children (except our own ‘children at heart’ hearts) we’ve also cut back on decorations – same “spirit but flesh” idea expressed earlier. I do like a wreath and some kind of hearth basket with greenery. At the farm we still have a live blue spruce small enough to decorate with lights at least. Both of our mothers adored Christmas so we remember them with our decorating efforts. For both mothers, special Christmas sweets were important and part of the decorations. Bill’s mom was a fantastic cook and her baked goods were simply wonderful. My mom had a few specialties – a fruit/cranberry/jello salad was and is a holiday tradition. Mom also decorated with sweets and two have special meaning. In later years she always had unbelievably fine spun ribbon candy in wonderful colors and flavors on a small silver plate and a dish of sugared dates stuffed with walnuts. That last had often been her gift to my dad when she could not afford to buy him a Christmas gift. Something about that simple homemade sweet spells “love” to me. We looked long and hard for ribbon candy locally to no avail this year but were directed to a long established hand made candy shop in Lansing, MI (by the granddaughter of the owner who happened to work at one of Bill’s doctor’s office) and were able to purchase cinnamon, anise, clove, sassafras, wintergreen and spearmint. They had fourteen flavors to choose from 🙂 and were almost as fine spun as I remember. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.
What a lovely blog and wonderful responses. As we’ve aged (and without children (except our own ‘children at heart’ hearts) we’ve also cut back on decorations – same “spirit but flesh” idea expressed earlier. I do like a wreath and some kind of hearth basket with greenery. At the farm we still have a live blue spruce small enough to decorate with lights at least. Both of our mothers adored Christmas so we remember them with our decorating efforts. For both mothers, special Christmas sweets were important and part of the decorations. Bill’s mom was a fantastic cook and her baked goods were simply wonderful. My mom had a few specialties – a fruit/cranberry/jello salad was and is a holiday tradition. Mom also decorated with sweets and two have special meaning. In later years she always had unbelievably fine spun ribbon candy in wonderful colors and flavors on a small silver plate and a dish of sugared dates stuffed with walnuts. That last had often been her gift to my dad when she could not afford to buy him a Christmas gift. Something about that simple homemade sweet spells “love” to me. We looked long and hard for ribbon candy locally to no avail this year but were directed to a long established hand made candy shop in Lansing, MI (by the granddaughter of the owner who happened to work at one of Bill’s doctor’s office) and were able to purchase cinnamon, anise, clove, sassafras, wintergreen and spearmint. They had fourteen flavors to choose from 🙂 and were almost as fine spun as I remember. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.
What a lovely blog and wonderful responses. As we’ve aged (and without children (except our own ‘children at heart’ hearts) we’ve also cut back on decorations – same “spirit but flesh” idea expressed earlier. I do like a wreath and some kind of hearth basket with greenery. At the farm we still have a live blue spruce small enough to decorate with lights at least. Both of our mothers adored Christmas so we remember them with our decorating efforts. For both mothers, special Christmas sweets were important and part of the decorations. Bill’s mom was a fantastic cook and her baked goods were simply wonderful. My mom had a few specialties – a fruit/cranberry/jello salad was and is a holiday tradition. Mom also decorated with sweets and two have special meaning. In later years she always had unbelievably fine spun ribbon candy in wonderful colors and flavors on a small silver plate and a dish of sugared dates stuffed with walnuts. That last had often been her gift to my dad when she could not afford to buy him a Christmas gift. Something about that simple homemade sweet spells “love” to me. We looked long and hard for ribbon candy locally to no avail this year but were directed to a long established hand made candy shop in Lansing, MI (by the granddaughter of the owner who happened to work at one of Bill’s doctor’s office) and were able to purchase cinnamon, anise, clove, sassafras, wintergreen and spearmint. They had fourteen flavors to choose from 🙂 and were almost as fine spun as I remember. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.
What a lovely blog and wonderful responses. As we’ve aged (and without children (except our own ‘children at heart’ hearts) we’ve also cut back on decorations – same “spirit but flesh” idea expressed earlier. I do like a wreath and some kind of hearth basket with greenery. At the farm we still have a live blue spruce small enough to decorate with lights at least. Both of our mothers adored Christmas so we remember them with our decorating efforts. For both mothers, special Christmas sweets were important and part of the decorations. Bill’s mom was a fantastic cook and her baked goods were simply wonderful. My mom had a few specialties – a fruit/cranberry/jello salad was and is a holiday tradition. Mom also decorated with sweets and two have special meaning. In later years she always had unbelievably fine spun ribbon candy in wonderful colors and flavors on a small silver plate and a dish of sugared dates stuffed with walnuts. That last had often been her gift to my dad when she could not afford to buy him a Christmas gift. Something about that simple homemade sweet spells “love” to me. We looked long and hard for ribbon candy locally to no avail this year but were directed to a long established hand made candy shop in Lansing, MI (by the granddaughter of the owner who happened to work at one of Bill’s doctor’s office) and were able to purchase cinnamon, anise, clove, sassafras, wintergreen and spearmint. They had fourteen flavors to choose from 🙂 and were almost as fine spun as I remember. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.
Oh, I relate to the mention of ‘old bones’ and the spirit being willing but the weak flesh comments above. We won’t be doing much Christmas dec. this year, we’re still unloading boxes from our recent move. I hope next year…. And I soooo related to MJP’s comment about cats climbing trees and guy wires. Yessiree Bob. Our Christmases have become very quiet over the years, as our Son has become an adult. He will always make it home (his words) for Thanksgiving but he has been spending Christmas with his girl for some years now. Since we’re very happy for him, the quietness is not a burden. But this year we are, after 38 years living in several other states, back in our home state and close to old friends and family once again, and will get to celebrate with them. And that makes us very blessed. I AM GOING TO DECORATE THAT NEW MANTLE THOUGH. 😀
Lovely post, Susan. Thank you.
Oh, I relate to the mention of ‘old bones’ and the spirit being willing but the weak flesh comments above. We won’t be doing much Christmas dec. this year, we’re still unloading boxes from our recent move. I hope next year…. And I soooo related to MJP’s comment about cats climbing trees and guy wires. Yessiree Bob. Our Christmases have become very quiet over the years, as our Son has become an adult. He will always make it home (his words) for Thanksgiving but he has been spending Christmas with his girl for some years now. Since we’re very happy for him, the quietness is not a burden. But this year we are, after 38 years living in several other states, back in our home state and close to old friends and family once again, and will get to celebrate with them. And that makes us very blessed. I AM GOING TO DECORATE THAT NEW MANTLE THOUGH. 😀
Lovely post, Susan. Thank you.
Oh, I relate to the mention of ‘old bones’ and the spirit being willing but the weak flesh comments above. We won’t be doing much Christmas dec. this year, we’re still unloading boxes from our recent move. I hope next year…. And I soooo related to MJP’s comment about cats climbing trees and guy wires. Yessiree Bob. Our Christmases have become very quiet over the years, as our Son has become an adult. He will always make it home (his words) for Thanksgiving but he has been spending Christmas with his girl for some years now. Since we’re very happy for him, the quietness is not a burden. But this year we are, after 38 years living in several other states, back in our home state and close to old friends and family once again, and will get to celebrate with them. And that makes us very blessed. I AM GOING TO DECORATE THAT NEW MANTLE THOUGH. 😀
Lovely post, Susan. Thank you.
Oh, I relate to the mention of ‘old bones’ and the spirit being willing but the weak flesh comments above. We won’t be doing much Christmas dec. this year, we’re still unloading boxes from our recent move. I hope next year…. And I soooo related to MJP’s comment about cats climbing trees and guy wires. Yessiree Bob. Our Christmases have become very quiet over the years, as our Son has become an adult. He will always make it home (his words) for Thanksgiving but he has been spending Christmas with his girl for some years now. Since we’re very happy for him, the quietness is not a burden. But this year we are, after 38 years living in several other states, back in our home state and close to old friends and family once again, and will get to celebrate with them. And that makes us very blessed. I AM GOING TO DECORATE THAT NEW MANTLE THOUGH. 😀
Lovely post, Susan. Thank you.
Oh, I relate to the mention of ‘old bones’ and the spirit being willing but the weak flesh comments above. We won’t be doing much Christmas dec. this year, we’re still unloading boxes from our recent move. I hope next year…. And I soooo related to MJP’s comment about cats climbing trees and guy wires. Yessiree Bob. Our Christmases have become very quiet over the years, as our Son has become an adult. He will always make it home (his words) for Thanksgiving but he has been spending Christmas with his girl for some years now. Since we’re very happy for him, the quietness is not a burden. But this year we are, after 38 years living in several other states, back in our home state and close to old friends and family once again, and will get to celebrate with them. And that makes us very blessed. I AM GOING TO DECORATE THAT NEW MANTLE THOUGH. 😀
Lovely post, Susan. Thank you.