As I’ve mentioned many times before, we get our tree at Home Depot every year.

A 4-5 ft. Noble Fir.

On a table.

Done.

Somewhere along the line we got a couple strands of red lights and it has become tradition, however, next year I would like to use the small multi colored ones.

I am a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas trees. I like a non-flocked tree with a collection of ornaments from over the years. I do not use garlands or icicles. Just clean and simple. We have a star that has yet to be placed on top, but will make it’s way there in the next 8 days! It requires {someone} to get a chair, clip a little off the top and put it into place….apparently we have been too busy to do that.

But I am happy with our tree this year. It is well shaped and the perfect size for our tabletop.

Here’s just a handful of our special ornaments:

{Glass pineapple from the Newport Mansions in Newport, RI}

{Mouth-blown glass garlic bulb from our days in Gilroy at the famous Garlic Festival}

{The red cup from Starbucks}

{Ornament from our honeymoon in the USVI…miraculously made it home in one piece}

{Gorgeous paper ornament handmade by women in Africa}

{Handmade gingerbread man my Mom made when I was a young girl}

{Raggedy Ann ~ another handmade by my Mom from the 70s}

{Elliott’s paper pickle from school ~ a German tradition?}

{A reminder of Christmas’ true gift ~ FAMILY}

{Mermaid from our trip to the Oregon Coast in August ’08 for my cousin’s wedding}

{Cute little fish from our friends, The Coronas}

{Holden’s tractor ornament…if you look real close, you can see my less-than-stellar hot glue job on the front wheel}

{Girly girl purse from Elliott’s 2nd Christmas}

{Acorn and oak leaf celebrating the kids’ first trip to Yosemite in ’07….a gift from Auntie Bucky}

{Another fun memory of a summer trip to Yosemite….s’mores by the campfire}

{Olive, The Other Reindeer ~ a darling book to add to your Christmas library}

{One of my many TJ Maxx finds}

*****

Today was a minimum day and we had a fews pals over to decorate sugar cookies…

I am just about baked out.

So glad all the teachers, bosses and co-workers are taken care of.

I still need to throw together another batch of toffee for the pediatrician’s office and the neighbors!

Maybe tomorrow…..

*****

Happy Thursday to you!