Christmas Decorating Has Been Completed--WHEW!

First thing this morning, we trimmed the tree.

It took me close to two and a half hours last night to get the lights on the tree. I have to say, although I LOVE this tree and think it is among the prettiest we have ever had, putting lights on a 9' tree is trying and tiring. Of course, if I didn't insist on trying to burn the house down with lights, it might not be so bad...

You see, I put 2400 lights on the tree--and still think there is a need for more. However, B has balked, so the tree is as it is to stay for this year. I'll be buying more next year, though. ;o)

I seem to get the same reactions when I tell people how many lights are on the tree. The men are always thinking (or giving me the), "ARE YOU CRAZY?!?!?" and the ladies typically seem awed and astounded--even a bit jealous. :oP

I think it's more of the former--I am crazy. I toyed with the idea of a pre-lit artificial tree but couldn't go through with it. As arduous a process as lighting the silly tree is, it is SO worth it. :o)

Lily was so enthusiastic about helping this morning. AND, it was easy to see where she had hung her ornaments. ;o)

Overheard whilst she was decorating, "I'm a good hooker!" Oy.

Lily and Daddy put the finishing touches on the tree and I managed to snap a quick pic. Whew!


I also finished the rest of my holiday decorating (the bells found a new home this year).

This is new this year--Lissie gave it to me when she was moving this summer.

Our countdown Advent calendar.

My sweet snowmen. I'm looking for another to add to the collection. :o)


We also have two nativities this year. They are both living on the entertainment center below the tv. It really is a perfect location for them.

For those of you with small children, we LOVE this nativity. Lily has played and played and played with it (I'm beginning to get a bit tired of "Away in the Manger"...). It's child-friendly and yet still depicts the birth story beautifully.

Here are the reindeer cans awaiting their filling of holiday goodies. I keep hoping they'll fill themselves this year, but somehow, I don't think it's going to happen...

Kat, we're thinking of the 12th as the candy day. Are you available? Jessie, we're going to make fondant while you are here so you can take your rolls home with you. :o)

Also pictured is the Advent calendar that led to the christening of "Number Fives" three years ago. ;o)

And, the glow from 2400 mulit-colored lights. It really is such a pretty tree.


As we were decorating this morning, I decided I needed a separate tree for our Hokies ornaments. We found this little lovely at the 'Jay. I'm thinking of putting some maroon and orange ribbons on it.


We also picked up some outdoor decor while at Tarjay. I've been coveting lighted deer for some time and now I have them.

B was a darling and helped me the entire day, even though he was REALLY wanting to finish Jellybean's room. I had him so busy he didn't get in there until almost dusk and then realized it is nearly impossible to paint white-primed bead board with white paint--no contrast.

So, he helped me make the turkey soup (recipe found here) and hung the garland along the banister of the bridge.

Nana and Pop joined us for supper and then we put up the Hannah Tree. It is so unbelievably perfect and gorgeous. (Terena, your ornament arrived and I almost had to wrest it away from Nana, lol! It's PERFECT!). I'm going to write about it tomorrow. Just know, we are so appreciative of all the love for the Monkey that has been showered on us. Thank you!

Anyhow, if I'm not mistaken, I only have a few more items to cross of my "To Do" list for Christmas. I still need to finish the Christmas cards and get them sent out, make the candy, and finish the deep cleaning of the house (I still need to do the upstairs carpets before Jessie and the kiddos arrive). Oh, and I still have five gifts to pick up for my list and two for Mom. Not too bad. :o)

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Weekend Sparklies:

1. Lily:

How funny is this child?!? She was jealous because my antlers had jingle bells and hers didn't. So, she fixed it. Hee hee!
2. Fauxgiving was wonderful and we'll have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
3. The house is looking SOOOOO festive and perfectly wonderful!
4. I have three Christmas trees in my house this year. WOW!
5. My Thanksgiving Break has been wonderful--if not exactly the most restful. But, we sure did get a lot accomplished!
6. Our dinner company. Thanks, Nan and Pop. I hope the soup wasn't too scorched tasting to you... (don't ask).
7. Analgesics. My HEAD is killing me and the Tylenol is actually working. Woo hoo. :o)
8. Have I mentioned just how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Christmas season?
9. The Hannah Tree. Just wait until I post pictures tomorrow. :o)

Milestones:

It doesn't hurt as much to decorate this year as it has the past two years. I miss Hannah's laughing and twirling, I miss having two out-of-control-with-excitement little girls, but it was easier somehow. Lily hung all Hannah's ornaments on the tree, and we admired those she had made in school. It's so wonderful having these treasures.

I also realized I'm going to need to get a new set of stocking hangers as the ones we have won't work next year. You see, ours currently spell out "Noel", allowing for a hanger for everyone's stocking. Next year, we'll be one short and I REFUSE to not hang Han's stocking. I'm therefore going to purchase the "Peace" set from Pottery Barn for next year. I can't imagine NOT including the Monkey in our holidays, nor can I imagine the Bean not having Han around for Christmas.

So many memories assail me this time of year. I'm not having a down yo, just some introspection.