What's green and red all over?

Yep, it's my house. Still.

Some folks love to get all those Christmas gewgaws all put away as soon as possible and then revel in their simple streamlined clean homes. You may be one of these. My mom is. It's a rare year that her Christmas tree doesn't bite the dust on the 26th. She has all kinds of excuses (The tree is giving me allergies. The tree is giving Tigger allergies. The tree is dropping needles. There is storm coming and I have to get it out now or I won't be able to. Etc.)

Me? My tree is drooping a bit on those branches hung with one little ornament too much. Admittedly, there are a few needles on the carpet. I rationalize that this little tree has given its life to make my heart sing each evening as I sit in the dark for a few minutes and absorb the beauty of colored lights and cherished ornaments. Tree decorating time was at a premium this year and the last ornament wasn't hung until the 24th. Why take it down one minute sooner than I have to?

And subtle I am not. I love the intensity of color that the holidays bring to our homestead. Even my kitchen goes bright red with checked snowman curtains and a variety of Santas and miniature toys. I look forward to setting them out every year. It's gonna look so bare without them.

I just love the huge poinsettia that our Mrs. Wonderful gave us. I'm always pleased with my fireplace decor, but that flower is the perfect final touch! I am progressing away from the holidays--there are no stockings hung up anymore. Just don't rush me.

I'm grateful for the three Wise Men who originated the twelve days of Christmas and gave me until January 6th to legitimately enjoy the holiday decorating. I am taking down a wallhanging here and a stocking there. The Night Before Christmas plates are going back into their cupboard for another year, the red tablecloths are being laundered and my collection of Christmas mugs are waiting to be carefully packed away. Soon a snowlady quilt will hang above the mantle instead. Our tree will move outside and (hopefully) will be decorated with bird treats and snow. But my flock of sheep will graze peacefully next to the Baby as the Wise Men and their camels approach with gifts. And I'll spend the other eleven months trying to honor the Christmas spirit of Love and Kindness and Peace. Amen.