Tis That Time of the Year

Thanksgiving is behind us and I hope everyone had a great day.  I know I did.  My family was all here and we had a great meal.  Naturally we all ate too much but it was so good.  Melanie and Michele both contributed so it really was a family affair.  It was a day full of fun and laughs and just being together which is so important in a family.  I think the thing I was most thankful for was that we were all able to be together

The only drawback was that I'm not ready for Christmas yet.  The weather has prevented me from getting out to put up the decorations outside and since I usually turn on the lights Thanksgiving night, it seemed so strange not to do so.

But this weekend is supposed to be nice, temps in the 50's, sunny and no rain so I'll make hay as the sunshine as the saying goes.  I've already started.  I put up the two big wood candy canes by the gate and hung the small wreaths on the gates and put out the Poinsettia (fake) flowers in the Shepherd's Hook pot and another smaller pot in front of the birdbath.  I'll wait and put up lights tomorrow as it will be warmer and I still have to find the tub with the lighted garlands and red ribbon bows.

Michele and the kids said they could come out on Sunday to help and I'm sure there will be more to put out.  I'm not doing as much as I usually do but still takes some time to put things up and I'm just not moving as fast as I used to.

But I'm anxious to get started as Christmas is my favorite time of the year and I love having all the decorations out.

If I sell this place, I'm going to have to sell a lot of my decorations as well as I won't have anywhere to store them plus if I would move into the same park where Michele lives, I really wouldn't have a place to put them.  It will be hard but just another thing I know I have to do.  I've got boxes of new lights that I had bought on sale that I need to sell.  I'll keep a couple of them in case I need to replace some on the tree but other than that, they have to go.  All in all I have 10 tubs full of decorations, lights, garlands, with one tub holding only the cords and timers.

I've taken another step in downsizing too.  Harold bought us a set of Noritake China when he was in the Navy in 1962 and it is a service for 12 with serving pieces.  It was promised to the girls and so I've come to that point that I'm going to sell the dining room set and so I need to get rid of the China.  Melanie packed her half up yesterday to take with her and we'll be packing up the rest for Michele so I can advertise the set.  The hutch is big but so is the table and 6 chairs and I know I won't have room for them and really don't need a big set like that anymore.  

So this year may be a little scarce on the decorations but the spirit won't be any less.  In fact, I'm looking forward to it more than ever.  

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and soon to be Happy New Year.