Special Holiday Edition!

You all know I'm a "Monday Kinda Gal" with my postings, but I got to thinking about some things I wanted to share with you before Christmas.

Throughout the years we (the Hess clan) have run the gamut of Christmas trees, from the Charlie Brown tree when we were still in college and very, very poor ~ to the 10' Blue Spruce in our great room ~ to the the potted tree which we could replant ~ to the pre-lit artificial tree done with the vintage colored bulbs which was enormous (and now resides in the girls' living room) ~ to the "weight watchers" version we currently have.

I wish I had a picture of each one to share, but I will share our latest.  After living for 34 years in the desert and desperately trying each Christmas to sustain a cut tree, we've given in to the artificial tree, and now have pared down in size as well.

The nice thing is that this little tree is a snap to decorate and can be completed, from set up to finish, in less than 1 hour.  As I hung the ornaments I relished and reflected on the memories attached to each one...

The few remaining from my wonderful childhood...

One beautiful cardinal ~ a reminder of my Mom, her favorite bird...

A gift from a former student...

Sweet memory of a Christmas holiday in our favorite city...

And most precious of all....those creations that came from the hands of our children...

So, dear friends, the cards have been sent...

The cookies baked...

The caramels made...

But there is still "elving" to do ~ food to be made for the Saturday and Sunday feasts ~ gifties to be wrapped...

I will be taking a break from the blog next Monday and will join you again in the New Year.
So, I leave you now as we approach the most beautiful day in Christendom, our Lord's Nativity, with a simple message ~