'Tis(zy) the Season

One more week, two big questions: What are you doing for the holidays? and/or Are you all ready for Christmas? Does anyone else feel pressured?

This is Kylie's tree. Love the way the packages look, don't you? Here in The Eagles' Nest we have an old rocking horse who comes out this time of year, too. He's painted red, and he has different riders every year--babies, teddy bears, Barbie dolls, whatever's handy.

Did you put up a tree? Real or artificial? Do you have a color scheme, or is your tree like mine--decorations collected over the years, each with a story behind it? Last week when I told my sister over the phone that I was almost finished decorating, she said she wasn't putting up a tree this year. I've heard that from a few people--"keeping it low-key this year." I've had years like that, when, for whatever reasons, I just didn't feel like dragging all that stuff out only to have to pack it all up again a few weeks later. Most years, though, once I get started, I don't know when to quit. I'm a pack rat. I save everything and the story to go with it. I'm going to have to downsize one of these days. But not today.

I made these felt frames backed with magnetic tape a few years ago. The grandchildren weren't with us for Christmas that year, so I put them up
where I could see them a lot. I haven't taken them out since, but I put them up again this year, and the kids love them.








Michele says: "In the Hauf household, we use the traditional means of measure to determine snowfall. The cat toss. I’d say we have about a half a tail’s worth (about four inches) right now." What a gorgeous photo, huh?








Cindy's kitty says, "Don't mean to be catty, but I'm much prettier than that guy in red."













And how about Lois's beautiful Sage in his holiday
finery?

Do the critters in your house get stockings? One of my favorite gifts for humans who have everything is a wildlife adoption from Defenders of Wildlife or the MN Wildcat Sanctuary.






This is a wonderful season for those of us who love to collect. My brother's wife collects gorgeous Santas. Over the years I've collected bear ornaments, and we always have a special bear tree. What's your ornament collection like?

Kylie accents her Santas (right) with lights. It's so much fun to arrange groupings like this. It's like seeing old friends once a year.














Kylie displays miniatures on a beautiful antique dresser.










Here are some of my Christmas collections. The candles are E-bay finds that brought back memories. Anybody recognize them? Mama had some of these--snowmen, trees, choirboys, angels, deer, Santas (Gurney and Tavern companies, late 40's early 50's). Some of them were premiums that came with Prell shampoo. Decorations were simpler then. I love the stories that go with these keepsakes, and I tell them every year as we unwrap each piece and make a place for it.

The Wizard of Oz dolls are more recent. They're McDonald's toys. Most of these came from E-bay, too, although the grands collected the first ones with the very occasional Happy Meal. Then I decided it was healthier--and cheaper--to bid on them.

And then there's my Barbie collection. Upwards of 50 of the vintage variety--1959-1973. I get teased a lot, but not by my granddaughters. They understand. They're 5 and 7. I've told them they get the Barbies when I die. (The 5 year old has taken to getting her dibbsies in on other things, too. "Nana, when you die, can I have these shoes?")








And what Christmas would be complete without our favorite stories? I like to incorporate the books into the scene.

Now, it's your turn. Share your decorating ideas. Even better, e-mail your snapshots (kathleen.eagle@comcast.net) and we'll feature them here, riding around with us as we dash through the snow, laughing all the way. We'd love to hear about your traditions, your memories. An autographed book for anyone who sends a picture with permission to post it here on RWTTD! But comment with or without a picture. 'Tis the Season!

Oh, and per our movie discussion the other day, I have a recommendation. We saw Invictus today. Two talons up from the Eagles! If you're looking for feel-good, this is it. Clint Eastwood scores again with a terrific story and wonderful performances by Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as the captain of the South African rugby team that won the World Cup.