Since you haven’t heard from me in over three months, I thought I might ease my way back into your good graces with a Christmas post. I have always, always loved Christmas. I get totally wrapped up in the fun and excitement of the season. When we lived in Germany, I was in heaven – those Germans really know how to elevate the holiday season to a whole new level – Christmas markets – hot spiced wine – beautiful and unusual decorations. I really have to exercise self control not to start decorating the house or listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving. My husband, on the other hand, is the opposite. I think every year he says “we don’t really need to have a Christmas tree this year, right?” What?!? I never really know if he means it or not, but needless to say, this is our 13th Christmas tree. 
I am not even sure why he complains, since the output he expends in decorating for Christmas is very, very minimal.
No matter – I am up to the task. And, this year, despite our house being one of the smallest since our very first apartment, I have really gone overboard with the decorating. I just can’t seem to stop. Seriously, I think I have added something to the decorations every day since Thanksgiving! And, the shopping – my goodness! Seems like everyone is having sales this year before Christmas and I have been taking full advantage. So, come on in, look around and soak up some holiday cheer.
This is the view coming in the front door. Don’t you just love that beautiful golden deer? I attended a Holiday Table Display at the Wichita Arts Center back in November and I saw this deer decorating one of the tables. I had to have him!
Here is a shot of the tree. Sort of blurry, but you get the idea. It is very traditional and filled with a variety of ornaments we have collected along the way.
And, here is one of our favorite ornaments. It is a glass santa made in Poland. We bought it at a Christmas Market booth in Strasburg, France. The picture doesn’t even do it justice. The detail is amazing.
And, speaking of Santas, here is my Russian Santa collection.
The German Christmas village:
And, the German Christmas Market display:
And, here are two close-ups:
This is the pyramid from Germany:
Here is the picture hanging above it – a depiction of the Strasburg Christmas Market. I love this picture – sorry about the glare from the flash, but it was too dark to do without it.
I have two poinsettias in a basket on the table beside the couch. They were left over from the Thanksgiving decorations.
That’s the living room. Tomorrow – the tour continues in the dining room.
