Christmas decorations

Dad and Mom go all out for Christmas. At least, they go all out within the limits of their budget. Mom entered a poetry contest this year that would have gotten us $1,000 worth of lights plus free setup and takedown, but she didn't win. Sad day, too, because her poem was the bomb! So, I guess Maya Angelou or someone wrote the winning one.

It all starts the day after Thanksgiving:


No Black Friday for them! They did that one year and then swore never to leave the house again on that day.

There's a Christmas tree in their entryway and a wreath on the door:


Plus a fireplace and mantel with stockings. This is my first Christmas, so I get my very own stocking! Yay!





Mom must really like the Willow Tree figurines, because I am told in very stern tones to "Leave it!" when I even look at the things. Sheesh...


I was very disgruntled to discover that there were Westie figurines in the house as well, but no pug ones! This is a travesty of epic proportions. Maybe I'll have to eat a Willow Tree just to show them.



Mom is a superious decorator, and can rock homemade arrangements like no one else.


This year for Christmas, Mom's mom and dad are coming down from Wheaton, IL for Christmas, and then the day they leave Dad's mom and brother are coming down from Asheville, NC and Lafayette, IN (respectively) for a few more days. And this is the first time I've ever seen them! So, I look forward to scoring lots of "Aaaaw, you're so cute!" snuggle time. Because I AM that cute.

Anyway, Mom and Dad have a tree downstairs too for the guests.


They're all fake, but that is the way Mom and Dad like them: easy to take down, easy to set up, and cheaper after about 5 years. Oh, and no needles EVERYWHERE. Their first Christmas they had a real tree and that was a total disaster, according to Dad.

Oh, and did I mention lights? Everywhere? And Dad's STILL putting more up. Yikes.

I think I'm going to like this Christmas stuff!