Decorating the Christmas Hodgepodge

Christmas Star

The star didn't fit on the tree, so it's resting on the old accordian case. Can I play the accordian? Well, enough to frighten the grandkids. I can play a couple things in a minor key and the theme song to Maigret, but that's about it. Oh. And I can play, 'She'll be Comin' 'Round the Mountain.' That's the extent of my repertoire.

I finally got a little decorating done around here yesterday. We've always had a real Christmas tree, and there is a real tree on the front porch, but I found an artificial tree for the living room, one that was so cute and standing there with a big red tag that read, 'Last One.' It was half price, so I bought it. Why didn't anyone tell me years ago how much easier it is to decorate an artificial tree??  I could actually hang ornaments on it without the boughs drooping.

Vee had a wonderful idea of putting her small Christmas tree in an old trunk and putting toys around it. It's SO cute. I didn't get my trunk emptied out, and my tree was a little too tall for that anyway (6'), so I just surrounded the tree with toys and books. This is the first year I've had a skinny tree, and I love it!

Now, on to the Hodgepodge!

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1. What is one new holiday tradition you'd like to establish, or one you've established recently, say in the last year or two?

That all gifting, except for the youngest children, would go to underprivileged families, rather than more money spent on people who have everything they already need.

2. It's the second week of December. Have you sipped a cup of eggnog yet this month? Wrapped a gift? Opened a gift? Kissed someone under the mistletoe? Lit a candle? Eaten a Christmas cookie? Seen Santa in person? Watched a Christmas movie or special? Read scripture relating to the birth of Jesus?

No to all of the above except the Scripture one. Celebrating Advent keeps one in the Scripture and mindful of what this season is all about.

3. Do you think it's better to be an adult or a child at Christmastime? Explain.

As an adult, one can have a slight glimmer of what the Christmas season is about and reflect upon Christ setting aside the glories of Heaven in order to become a human, born in a manger., to save His people from their sin. For kids, it's magical with the lights, candles, garland, tree, etc. But if kids are celebrating Advent with their families, the whole season  has real meaning, rather than just being another big party.

My dad made the icicles

My dear cousin Bobby gave me the Santa Lucia doll
and many of the tree ornaments.

4. It's often said, 'Good things come to those who wait'...agree or disagree? Why?

I think that with the plummeting price of oil, airfare will drop, so in that sense yes, good things, like cheaper airfare, may come to those who wait. On the other hand, I didn't wait for the sale on Christmas trees because the one I wanted was labeled as 'LAST ONE' and I bought it while I could. If I had waited...   I think that saying was invented by a mother who didn't want her kids eating before dinner. Not every saying has merit, like the one, 'You have to step out of your comfort zone.' Says who?? Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone can get you run over by a truck! These things need to be thought through, not just adopted because someone thought it sounded clever. I try not to be a lemming.

I think this tin originally had Walker shortbread in it.
Do you think he uses Colgate whitening strips?

5. What's the last sweet thing you baked? Did you keep it, take it to a party/event, or give it away?

The last thing I baked was brownies with lots of chocolate chips and walnuts. I took some to a party and put the rest in the freezer. They'll be at the dinner table tonight when some family are here. I don't dare just leave them lying around!

My mom made the Christmas tree skirt.

6.  This question comes to us courtesy of Jhona who blogs over at The Red House at the End of the Lane. Everyone hop over and say hi to Jhona this week!  Here is her question... "I heard an actor talk about how he makes a conscious choice to talk to people in elevators.  He chooses to connect, make eye contact, and converse. Do you talk to people/strangers when you're in an elevator or any other place where you might have to wait together? Why or why not?"

I love talking to strangers. I'm not too likely to strike up a conversation in an elevator, but I am very likely to strike up a conversation while shopping. I'll ask someone their opinion on something or if they know where the Ritter Sport is shelved, etc.  I'll often talk to strangers while waiting.  And why do I do that? Just to be annoying? No, actually, it's because sometimes people simply need a little cheering up, a little humor, a kind word, and getting them out of themselves. I am pretty good at knowing which people can be approached.

7. Are you on the naughty or nice list this year? What put you there?

I don't think I'm on either list this year. Can't think of a thing that would have sealed my fate either way.

The candle ornament was purchased on a trip to Mexico years ago.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

a) Why is it that my desk gets to a certain degree of messiness and then just stops. If I cleaned it tonight, within two days it would look the same as it does now. I will clean it by the time the family comes for Christmas, but otherwise, it seems so pointless. I know where everything is (almost) and at least I know 'It's on my desk...somewhere.' The desk is only about 4' by  2.5', so it doesn't take too long to find any hidden object.

b) One more random: Every time I take Misty out on lead on the slippery driveway (acutely aware of my artificial hip), the Scripture verse, 'Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling' pops into my mind. Okay, I know that's not what the verse is about, but still it's just one of those things my brain does. I'm so glad God gave us humor. And if you ever wonder about that, read The Everlasting Man by G.K. Chesterton. Chesterton is full of wisdom, full of the love of God, and full of humor.

My sweet sledding penguin

Some of our family will gather here on the 17th. Now all I need to do is make some food, make up some beds, clean the house, clean this desk!, and I'll be all set.

So are you all ready for Christmas?

***

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Although I usually forget to do it, there is a chance that this post will be linked to one or more of these great linky parties:  Amaze Me Monday and Inspiration Monday and Mosaic Monday and The Barn Collective and    Treasure Box Tuesday and Vintage Bliss Tuesday and KatheWithAnE and Rubbish Tuesday and Our World Tuesday and Tuesdays at our Home and Tuesday with a Twist and  Knick of Time Tuesday (vintage)  and   Tweak it Tuesday and Vintage Inspiration Wednesday and Ivy and Elephants Wednesday and Adorned From Above  and Artsy Corner Thursday and  All Things With Purpose and Home & Garden Thursday and Good Fences on Thursdays and Daily Cup Mrs. Olson and  Time Travel Thursday and Freedom Fridays and Vintage Inspiration Friday and Saturday's Critters