Memories on the Tree

What did you do this weekend?
I spent the weekend putting away Halloween decorations and pulling out Christmas decor. There is something I like about my home going from eerie to cheery overnight. The creepy crows and spooky spiders get packed away until next fall and the smiling snowmen and chubby Santa's come out. I do know the real reason for the season, Jesus, but I only have one Nativity at the moment. My Mom collects them and I try not to collect the same things as her, after all I might end up with some of them someday.
The lights! How do I explain my love for strings of lights. There is something so peaceful about a tree full of tiny lights on a dark night. We have had a tiny bit of a battle going on here. Well... not really a battle.
You see, I can't stand the new LED Christmas lights! My husband is on a mission to be as much like Ed Begley as possible, no disrespect to ED. A few years ago we started switching to LED lights and now we only have a few strings of the old kind left. This makes my husband happy and me sad. I am all for the energy savings and I love that they last so long, but... they are UGLY! They put off this cold, slightly flickering, glaring light and I swear they are going to give me seizures! Currently I have the 3 strings of old lights on the tree and the new ones are in a box. Terrible...I know.

I have so many fond memories of Christmases with my family and I have found that our ornaments for the tree represent many of those wonderful holidays. Last night I took some photos of some of my favorites.We have more ornaments than we can fit on our little fake tree, yes... fake. Every year I want to get a real one but our house is too small and our $40. fake tree fits perfectly. Plus, I can't buy a real one as early as I'd like to :O).


This pretty silver wreath was picked out by my sweet hubby who LOVES all things... Sparkly!
I made this Shrinky Dink ornament when I went to Colorado to visit my cousins in the early 1980's.

This bread dough tree is very special to me. My dad made it when I was a kid. I love the vintage gold paint and the tiny candles.

I got this poinsettia in an ornament exchange. It looks like it is handmade out of thin shavings of wood. Gorgeous.
These festive little sledders were handmade by my Father and I, together. One of very few projects we did side by side. I cherish them like the valuables they are, even though they're made of Popsicle sticks and string.
I don't know why I have always loved this one. I just find the tiny Santa and tree adorable. The little bell so so sweet. It makes me think of my childhood, which was Awesome!
Isn't this snowman's smile infectious? He looks so Thankful.
Love the glitter of the Disco ball.
This beauty was handcrafted by my son when he was 10 years old. It just may be my favorite one of all. I think the star on top is amazing.

These caroling bears were a gift from our friend Stephy. I can't believe it has been eleven years. We love how she included our dogs, Gypsy Boots and Cosmo, they truly are a big part of our family still today.

This ball is dear to me simply because it says 1976, a very good year in my life.

Jessica Rabbit was purchased by my husband when we went to Disneyland in 2005. That was a fantastic trip.

Michigan J. Frog has always been a fixture in my life. He is so cool...won't sing unless He wants to, doesn't do it for money and fame.

My sweet cousin Janee gave him to me when she worked for Warner Bros.

Love him.
Now... I have saved the best for last, maybe the best... I can't really choose a favorite. These calico birds were handmade by my Mother. They are fashioned from fabric that she also used to make clothes for me and my brother. The red and blue calico on the wings of the second bird is very moving to me. Really. Not only did I have an outfit made from that fabric but I made some of my first sewing projects from it. I remember an apron I made for Barbie in particular. I wish I still had that apron and I am so happy I still have the bird. So happy.

What are your favorite Holiday Decorations?