deckin' the halls

The Christmas tree is officially up at the manor. I spent most of

Sunday afternoon fluffing and tweaking. No pressies are wrapped

yet, though. Wrapping and stacking under the tree is one of my

tasks for this week. My first choice of tree would be a big fat live

one with all the wonderful natural scent and essence, but a few years

back we purchased a pre-lit artificial tree. I'll have to admit, it's quite

nice not having to untangle that ubiquitous massive knot of lights.

.

Besides, I go a little nutzoids and load it down with so much stuff,

you can't see the tree, anyway. I've been collecting vintage

ornaments for about 30 years, now. WT has brought back quite a

few unique ones from Eastern Europe. Last year, my uncle me some

wonderful old bulbs that adorned my dear grandmother's tree in

tiny Burlington, Indiana. These treasures feel right at home on my

manor tree.

.

I also have a stack of antique holiday postcards I traditionally tuck

among the branches. This year, it struck me how lovely some were

on the reverse, with the vintage stamps and quirky, festive hand

written messages. So, I placed several with the written side showing.

Since I'm all about correspondence, this made me incredibly happy.

I'm such a sappy romantic. My very favorite ornaments of all are a

few the kids made when they were small. Tears well up each time I

hang the tiny, sweet, tweedy mitten that belonged to my oldest son.