Saturday, December 20, 2014

I dug out all the Christmas decorations from the shed this morning and by noon the house was looking very Christmassy. We don’t have a lot of space so there aren’t a lot of choices as to where each of the pieces will sit. Every year I think I should downsize on some of the decorations, but I love them all and they bring back good memories of family past and present. And how could I possibly split up my lovely snowman collection?

The tree was easy to decorate, mainly because I didn’t worry about filling in any holes. Although with the artificial tree it is nicely shaped and very stable. There are a few ornaments that are showing their age; one of Snow White Dwarfs that Christy made in Brownies, a Christmas mouse that Elizabeth made, and a couple of works of art by Madison. There are a few that are extra special including photo snowmen of Alex and Will, and foam decorations that Tynan (and maybe Sawyer) made many, many years ago. As I go up and down the stairs from my sewing room I’ll add the lovely batch of presents that we have been given.

Having the piano as a surface this year works well. I was able to put out a collection of cards we have received over the years, many of which were just too nice not to share with each passing Christmas. I have a book of Christmas music that I must get out and start practicing. Christmas was the time I most missed having a piano so there is no excuse this year.

We expected to go out to a Solstice party tonight but Pat’s cold has come back with a vengeance and he decided that it would be best not to be out and about (and spreading it) so close to Christmas. It is a stormy day (again) but I went out this afternoon. I made a quick trip to the dollar store before feeling justified in stopping at the liquor store. A few Jameson hot whiskeys should help Pat feel better – they certainly did the trick with his cold when we were in Ireland!