Merry Christmas

Each year I look forward to decorating for Christmas for months and months.  This year was no exception, but when it got right down to it I felt really lazy about it.  Mostly because I hadn't come up with any new ideas so everything was just a repeat of examples of previous years.  It's kind of like gardening.  The fun part is try new varieties or new methods.  It takes creativity to get moving.

So I put up two trees to compensate for my lack of ambition. 

Don't get me wrong.  Every room got a touch of Christmas spirit.

Even the bathroom

Some of my repeat arrangements are my very favorite.

Grater luminaries and cow horns for stuffing Korv sausage, a favorite Christmas dish, are high on the list. They are in the kitchen where I can enjoy them all evening.

The single new idea I had was this crate full of old seltzer bottles.

The only new decorations I bought were handmade push pin ornaments.

They went on my larger all red tree.

These Victorian inspired crafts were popular from the 50s thru the 70s.

You could purchase kits at craft stores, 

or assemble your own from costume jewelry and fancy pins.

A family friend used to make them and we had a few on our tree.

You can still find vintage examples on eBay or Etsy.

But few of them are as nice as these from Orna Mentz in Virginia.  

They come on two sizes (2.5" and 3") and many color pallets.

Link to the website here:  Orna Mentz

I can't believe that the seed catalogs are already coming in the mail.  They used to be held at the post office until January 2nd.  This year I got my first one the day after Thanksgiving and I have at least half a dozen waiting to be studied.  I'm sure they realize that people overspend on seeds in the winter when we are cooped up indoors and longing to be outside in the soil.  All in good time.  Last year was a long year, beginning in March and ending in November.  

This year I am enjoying my winter downtime.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  

Seed season will be here before you know it.