We decided not to go overboard decorating this year, but there are some traditions we just can't let go of. First, there's our ceramic nativity set. I was in my ceramic/pottery phase. Bought the greenware set and never worked on it. Bob's mother took it, cleaned it, stained it, and fired it. We are extremely thankful every year to proudly display it.

Our tree will never get Martha Stewart's stamp of approval. It's loaded with ornaments of every sort. There are the handmade ones made by precious little hands of my 1st, 2nd, and 4th grade Sunday School children. There are objects picked up on our travels that we have converted to ornaments. And there are many, many pictures and ornaments thoughtfully given to proud grandparents (us).

Thimbles from the U K & Canadian Maritimes

Handmades and gifts dating from 1976

One of the many picture ornaments.

The macrame phase

The needlepoint phase.

I did convince Bob to cut back on the outside lights, but it still resembles Snoopy's Doghouse, just a bit more conservative this year. Can't take a pic of that until dark. Something for you to look forward to!

Happy shopping, caroling, and partying.