In these disciples’ home!

When they were little, I would assemble the tree while they napped. 
Then they were a little older and they would sit on the couch and have to sit and watch me.
Now they help me carry the stuff upstairs and have the tree put together before I can say, “Evergreen.”

It takes more than a few totes of decorations.
Look.At.The.Mess!

We used to decorate two trees.  I had enough ornaments for three.  We got rid of about a third this summer, but we still have way more than you count.   We only put up one tree this year and last year due to space issues.  And only after the ornaments were on did I realize I forgot the bell-garland I love so much.  And the gold ribbon.  But, whatever.  There is always next year.

I love some of my ornaments.  Like some.  Tolerate some. 

My favorite ornaments are stars.  They have always been my favorite shape.  I think it comes from when I was a kid and played the star of Bethlehem in a church play!  Once upon a time the overwhelming majority of my ornaments were stars.  You can still find them, but they are quickly being outnumbered.

My second favorite ornaments are the ones the kids have made.  There are tons of these.

My next favorite ornaments are the 3 dozen or so snowflakes my cousin crocheted me and the cheap-o snowflakes I bought at the dollar store.  If we could stop right there I’d be 100% glad.

 

But then come the Christ-centered ornaments.  I do like them a lot.  I just have a LOT.  And we make sure every last one of them are on the tree.  Did you catch that?  WE make sure.  There must be 40.

Then there are the VeggieTales ornaments and the rare cartoony ones that I have selected for their personal connections to my world.  I have always loved the Aristocats movie.  And since my daughter’s name is Marie we have a few special ones there.  Or ones we have purchased on vacations.  We have about 10 Veggie ornaments. 

 

 

Then there are the sillier ornaments.  I don’t dislike them.  I just don’t love them.  Most of them are my fault.  Each year I have picked up one per child after Christmas and would link it to something that reminded me of them that past year.  They are often silly.  The Grinch for the boys from the year we first introduced that movie.  Silly kitty ornaments for Marie.  A reindeer playing dress-up for Tabitha because she lives in dress-up clothes.  There has to be 40 of these.  At least. 

Then we have beads.  Lots and lots of beads.  [I do like those a lot, but I can hardly give them credit as ornaments.]

We didn’t stop there.  John did the outside lights while we did the indoor lights.  I think he had the more peaceful end of it, albeit the colder one.

And Stew set up the nativity.

 

Another day I will share some photos of the baby’s reaction and how much Tabitha enjoyed playing with her “buddies” from the last few years.