The stockings are hung, not by the chimney, but on the bookcase using new stocking holders. Grant got the stockings for our first Christmas, almost 40 years ago. We have a wreath Stephanie bought at a fundraiser she supports, and the greenery and candle center piece Betsy sent me for a birthday and Christmas present.The house smells wonderfully.
I indulged my love of poinsettias, buying 2 large red and 2 smaller pinkish at a 4-H fundraiser, then driving to Gainesville for the horticulture students’ annual sale. Unfortunately, the first two days’ socially-distanced reservations were booked, so all the Bubblegum pink were gone by Wednesday, when we could go. I settled for 3 Marbled Star and 2 Carmina Hot Pink. My friend Diane gave me an arrangement with a red and white spotted one in a ceramic poinsettia bowl. Enough? Never.
Outside, I put up LED lights along the garage eave, which may be my last time of hanging lights. Climbing up and down the steps tool probably should not be in my future. I’ve been the light hanger, with the help of children when they were old enough, ever since Grant announced at our first Christmas that he absolutely hated putting up Christmas lights. A source of contention with his dad, with too much last minute decorating in too little time. Since I always wanted to put up lights exactly how I wanted them, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to start a new tradition. I’ve done it ever since.
For more, and easier, lights, I bought 2 laser projectors that shine red, green, and blue, or any combination, into the trees and house wall. I finally read the manual and understand how the timer works. I haven’t quite got the lights’ placements and which color and pattern I like. Twinkle, fade, multicolor or monotone, bright or subdued: many, many choices. I continue to fool with them.
I also bought a sleigh for the girls, who got 2 of the brightest pink poinsettias.
We opted not to have a tree this year. I hung a few ornaments on the buffet and put out some of my favorite ceramic pieces with greenery and lights. I am really pleased with the result. I haven’t yet decided whether this is a permanent plan, so I will keep our Christmas decorations another year. The Wall Street Journal just ran an article about a wealthy young man who owns only 62 items including his clothes and his electronics. He lives in hotels and dines in restaurants, uses taxis and travels the world. I think the beds, silverware, cabs, etc. should count against his claim of lack of ownership, but I see the point. We now have shelves in the garage with all our extra stuff either on them or in totes stacked nearby. I have vowed to keep shedding until everything fits just on the shelves. As a reminder, I may cut out the picture of all the young man’s clothes neatly folded on a hotel bed and tape it on the wall.
On the other hand, I am really enjoying the Christmas glasses I bought this year.
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