Jaci Dawn

Everyone left me today: Don went into the mountains and the kids went off to church. I got up late, made coffee and decorated the Christmas tree.

It gives me a sense of peace to decorate the tree (once I have the lights on, that is: putting the lights on the tree never goes peacefully). I used about two-thirds of my ornaments as I didn’t want to crawl back into the attic and look for the other boxes.

It is just as well: I tend to over-do Christmas. I have had to pare it down the past three Christmases. All the Santas and Nativities remain boxed in the attic this year, along with another third of the ornaments, the tins, the garland, the cooky platter and all of the outdoor stuff. I decided to not do anything outdoor this year, except the traditional wreath on the door.

Well, it’s a swag and it isn’t hanging on the door. Left over Noble fir branches, some holly from our holly tree and garland, jingle bells and red accents.

When I was done, I put the boxes back in the attic, turned the lights on the tree and sat back.

The North wind blows.

I love it when this turns into…

This.

I like ornaments that have a story to tell. Some of them have history as well, but the ornaments themselves must tell a story.

Many are gifts from friends (like Laurelle). We buy ornaments for each other every year. And some are ones that I saw during the year that I just had to have for my tree.

There  is    no theme. 

I love Christmas as much for the Reason as I do for the decorations, the lights, the getting together with friends, and the food.

I’m not big on the shopping. That is probably the one thing I do not like about Christmas. But I do love the giving.

And the tree. I really, really like the tree part of Christmas.