worry about the size

I'm usually a Christmas fanatic. Make that holiday fanatic. And make it "used to be . . ."

In fact, let's start over . . .

I used to be a holiday fanatic. I decorated everything for everything. New Year's, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas... I loved it all, celebrated it all, decorated for it all.

These days? Not so much. But I've realized that's okay. My life is different . . . I'm different.

So, this tiny tinsel tabletop cutie is my Christmas tree this year. It fits in a shoebox; the ornaments stay on. My favorite part is the tiny pink hat. SO CUTE! The 8' tree and 2 totes full of ornaments I usually bring out are still in the closet, and they're staying there. Yes, the mantel in the background is decorated, and the stockings are hung. And yes, the kitchen mantel is decorated, too, and there's a snowman  hand towel, and Christmas mugs. Oh yeah, and flannel sheets with snowmen. I think that's it . . .

So maybe I do still have more holiday decor out than a lot of folks. But for me? This is minimalism, people!

"Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall."  ~Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

xo, Susan

Oh, Christmas Tree!

Some people wait to decorate the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. I'm not one of those people. But if you are, get busy: today's the day!

for sources mouse over photos

How often has the Christmas tree

Afforded me the greatest glee!

from "O Christmas Tree"

http://confessionsofasineater.blogspot.com/

right this very minute

It's almost Christmas, and I'm almost ready...but not quite. I've done most, but not all, of the must-dos: tree, decorations, presents are all nearly done. But I'm not quite ready in my heart, either. I'm afraid Christmas will come and be gone without me ever getting fully in the Christmas spirit, and I don't want that to happen. What I want is the wonder, the joy, the giddy anticipation. Am I too old for that?

I think I need Auntie Mame...

For I've grown a little leaner, grown a little colder

Grown a little sadder, grown a little older 

And I need a little angel sitting on my shoulder

Need a little Christmas now

Surely that'll do it. Bring on the Christmas!

Christmas! 

 The very word brings joy to our hearts. 

 No matter how we may dread the rush, 

the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given - 

when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, 

the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes. 

 ~Joan Winmill Brown

all the year

Sheesh, they start Christmas earlier and earlier every year! Thanksgiving isn't until next week...

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Whatever. I usually agree, but this year I can hardly wait to get the last plate scraped, the leftovers divvied up, and then halls decked.

Still, since Thanksgiving is a week away, I'll indulge just a little. For now.

Oooooh, pretty...

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.

-Ebenezer Scrooge

(Charles Dickens)

if this is not enchantment

Happy Boxing Day!  (Don't feel badly if you're not quite sure exactly what that is - turns out no one else knows, either.)

So another Christmas has come and gone, replete with food, family, and gifts galore, both given and received.

We even got a son-in-law-to-be for Christmas, when he put a ring on our sweet girl's finger:

Even though it's officially over, I'm still loving the house all decorated and cozy. I'll begin slowly packing it away in a day or so, and finally take the tree down next week sometime. Some things aren't just for "Christmas," though, they're "Winter," and will stay around for weeks to come. And the things I meant to make for the season, but didn't? It's not too late...

Take, for example, DIY snow globes. I've been meaning to try my hand at these for years, but have never gotten around to it. I love snow globes, a tiny world in a jar, and playing god with one good hard shake. I don't actually own any "snow" globes, although I do have a Halloween black cat in a watery globe, with tiny black bats swirling all around. I may still make my own Winter Wonderland globe this season, though. There's still plenty of time.

Look at these DIY examples, gathered from the far-flung corners of the www:

I like the idea that they don't have to be winter-themed:

I love the idea that they don't have to be in liquid at all:

mouse over images for source

In fact, that's what I ended up doing yesterday, when I was in the mood for a bit of Christmas craftiness but much too lazy to put real effort in. Hello, dear:

 How was your Christmas?

The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event.  

You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different,

 and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?  

~J.B. Priestley

 
http://confessionsofasineater.blogspot.com/

all Christmas trees

Am I the only one shocked by the fact that Christmas is only days away? Sheesh. Everything catches me by surprise these days. Everything does - and nothing does. I can't explain it any better than that. Probably an age-related thing.


Anyway. Christmas! Our first here on Moss Hill, and the house feels like it was made for this season. 

Also: Does everyone think their Christmas tree is best? (I hope so!!) I know I do...

Liberace Santa, all decked out in gold glitter

Then again, I think all Christmas trees are pretty fabulous. Show me yours!

 mouse over images for source

 The perfect Christmas tree? All Christmas trees are perfect!

 - Charles N. Barnard

http://confessionsofasineater.blogspot.com/