Christmas Mode

Apparently the Christmas bug has bit me and I have spent a good bit of time in the last few days decorating for the beloved holiday!  This is my first year decorating a whole house for Christmas.  Last year I had just moved out on my own and couldn't find my decorations in all the boxes that I had left to unpack, so my house was left bare (if you don't include the stacks of boxes in the corner :)).  However, now that I am all settled in, it's decoration time!!

When I first put up my little tree, strung the lights and put the star on top, I was a little concerned that I might have a "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree on my hands.  The top was even leaning over a little bit because the star was too heavy!  Ek!

[caption id="attachment_159" align="aligncenter" width="377"] The potential Charlie Brown Christmas tree.[/caption]

Luckily, with a few modifications, I was able to get the star to not be completely leaning over (it still is a little bit, but hopefully that adds charm... :)) Then onto the decorations.  When I pulled out the box that had all the ornaments in it, I quickly remembered how overly-sentimental I am.  I have many ornaments that had been hand-me-downs, but also some pretty ugly ones that I made as a kid.  Using a very selective process (removing the ones that were just hideous!), I began placing the ornaments on the tree until there were no more bare branches.

[caption id="attachment_161" align="aligncenter" width="344"] Full of decorations![/caption]

I absolutely love manger scenes at Christmas time.  So, of course I set mine up.  Again, this was a hand-me-down from my mother.  Growing up, it was always set up every Christmas and I plan to continue that tradition!  There are even bits of straw on the manger floor!

[caption id="attachment_163" align="aligncenter" width="354"] It's not Christmas until the manger is out![/caption]

I feel like I am all ready for Christmas now, and it isn't even December!  As I am writing this, I have the Christmas lights on and a cinnamon candle burning.  Tis the season, right?! :)