Well, here we go again. I'm still finding Halloween things around the house and it's Christmas time already. Well, what the heck, as long as I have to put all that stuff up the attic I may as well bring down the Christmas decorations and save myself some work? ? ?

Since this is our Christmas edition I thought I'd focus on the decorations indoors. Some people think I am off the deep end with this decorating. However, just this week I seen a piece on TV about someone in Georgia that actually gets their own pole from the Utility Co. for a month in order to accommodate the electricity needed to light their decoration on their home and lawn. Boy I wish that were available to us. I love to decorate everywhere. I even decorate the 8 evergreen trees up in the woods in our back garden.

One tree I'd like to show you is the formal tree in the living room. It is done with a Victorian flare. The colors are basically blue and mauve with a touch of white including the lights. I've collected the ornaments over the years that are mostly angels of all sizes and styles.

The tree in the garden room is our traditional Christmas tree. It has 26 sets of colored lights on it. And the best thing is I actually leave the lights on from year to year. The first year I purchased this tree (I got it on sale with the lights included) which was 6 years ago. This tree looks so real. It comes in two pieces and after the first Christmas when I was putting it away, I began taking the lights off. Well, after undoing 26 sets of lights I said never again. Now I just wrap it up, lights and all in a large bed sheet and up the attic it goes when Christmas is over.

I also enjoy collecting Santa's. The one thing they need to have for me to include them in my collection is a beautiful face. That is the most important thing to me. They have to have a special look on their faces. My father used to play Santa for many years and one thing I know about is a genuine Santa Claus. I think you can tell a lot about the smile on Santa.

And then there are the Dept. 56 Christmas Village pieces. I collect the North Pole set. It takes me almost a week to set it up but then I just lose myself in all the lights. I just love it. The set includes Mrs. Claus's Greenhouse complete with elves that carry evergreens in a cart.

Lastly, I thought you might enjoy seeing a picture of the front of our home. Again, it's done in a Victorian Theme with silk flowers and faux pearls and lots of lights throughout the garland. I hope you enjoyed the pictures of some of our Christmas decorations and I hope you enjoy this wonderful season as much as I do.

God Bless you with a Happy Holy Christmas and a Healthy Prosperous New Year.