Holiday Visits And Christmas Tree Decorating

We got a little bit of a late start getting our Christmas tree this year...but at last on Sunday we made it out to our favorite tree lot and cut our petite Noble Fir.  My hubby with a small bit of prodding had it up in no time...and (I laugh at this) after I started putting the lights on myself got into the spirit and finished them for me...This is our ritual every year...and after 23 Christmas's together it never changes.  My lights are on...crystal garlands strung and the vintage and antique ornaments are just starting to go on. 

My Sister-in-law Jodie has a divine collection of Christmas trees.  She starts bringing them out right after Thanksgiving.  Every nook and cranny is Christmasized.  Tiny lights twinkle...mercury glass glows.  Tinsel trees, feather trees, large trees, small trees,  glass trees, paper trees....(Oh..and shoe trees)   It is a wonderland.  These pictures are just a few...I am hoping to take more pictures on our next visit soon (I am also so very  lucky we live pretty close together)

Tomorrow is baking day...my husband is home on vacation...so I am going to put him to work as a baking elf.....Sweet dreams everyone

The Gift Of Christmas

Today my family and I went for a little visit out to the country side of our  family...(we are the townies)...My sister-in-law and her husband live on a sweet piece of property just south of town.  A lovely Oak tree covered hill filled will soft mosses, ferns and fairy folk.  Jodie (my sister-in-law)  is a true keeper of Christmas.  Walking into her home this time of year is a delightful  experience.  She has just started pulling out her wonderous (and very large)  collection of mini  Christmas trees.  By Thanksgiving...... I expect the house to be aglow with tiny  lights and sparling ornaments.  Visiting her home really makes me feel in the spirit.  One of the things Jodie loves to do is make Christmas ornaments for all her friends and family.  Every year a new one.  This year.....she took me into her work room to show me the newest  edition.  I was like a puppy...I just could not wait to unpack the basket and see what she had created.  Beautiful large hanging ornaments.  They are two sided on thin foam board.  I just love them.  Lucky me..... she let me pick out 3 to bring home.