The holiday decorating was finished last week, later than planned, but still earlier than usual. The tree is artificial, because I refuse to murder a live one just to have in the house for a few weeks, it's such a waste. A wide variety of ornaments adorn it; dating back to the 1950's when my mother set up house to some I bought last year. They range from glass pine cones(50's), swinging snowpeople(60's), felt drums(70's), toy soldiers & wooden moon(80's), arctic animals(90's) to a candlestick holder ('05). There's a German Shepherd, Tweety Bird, Care Bears and even a biplane which looks like the one Ralph Fiennes flew in The English Patient .

   The Nativity set is from Germany in the early 1960's. The animals are very realistic and the Wise Guys really do look as if they came from distant lands such as Asia and India. Each year I try to set it up a bit different, but always make certain each animal has a clear view of the Baby Jesus, since they welcomed Him when humans had no room.

I string tinsel roping around a couple doorways & loop it across an overhang above the tree. A few years ago they had some that had amusing little snowpeople attached to green tinsel, which makes me laugh as I put it up. All of my cards are taped up to the door by the computer, so I can enjoy them. The only thing left is to put on an album of Christmas music to complete the festive mood.