One of many Santa ornaments.
Pretty peacock.
Roses, of course.
This year, I only put up one Christmas tree (instead of my usual two), and it's a little bit different than usual. No garland or tinsel ... the tree is packed with our entire collection of glass figural ornaments.
This is a painted oyster shell, referencing "When I am old, I shall wear purple."
I really like squirrels. We have two squirrel ornaments, and I placed acorns and corn ornaments on the tree near them so they're not hungry.
Our middle daughter was obsessed with penguins when she was younger.
This collection reflects 30+ years of Christmases spent together, and many of the ornaments commemorate events or places that are special to us.
Cape Hatteras lighthouse ... North Carolina's Outer Banks is a favorite vacation spot.
This resin alligator is from my trip to New Orleans last month.
Taco, because Christmas for the past few years has been all about family, friends and Mexican food.
It took a couple of days to sift through the boxes of ornaments, carefully placing each one onto the tree and remembering the memories that so many of them represent.
Grapes, because we live next to a winery.
Santa with toys.
Our grandson's handprint, from when he was three.
My Christmas shopping is finished (except for a couple of items that I will pick up in the next day or two), and Christmas baking is well under way. Our house is quiet and calm this year... and part of me misses the energy that small children add to the holiday atmosphere. It's been a lot like the famous poem, "Not a creature was stirring" ... me included right now.
One of my favorites ... flowers and I Love You.
How about you? Are you doing the same thing as usual this Christmas, or are you changing things up a bit?