Phase Two!

It's done!! The tree is d-o-n-e! I can breathe a tiny breath of relief. Tiny, because it's only the beginning of the entire process! Albeit, as I write this post, I've tackled and completed a few more decoration tasks. :)

This post is kind of a prelude to the "full picture". Maybe a little peak into some of my favorites during Christmas too.

The picture below is one of my favorite cards. A friend of mine handmade it. Every year, I look forward to her card. She puts so much thought into each one.

Another "favorite" of mine is live greenery. I love to mix it into my decorations. The smell is so fragrant, and it looks pretty too. Kind of like bringing a little bit of the outdoors, in. We have big holly bushes (more like trees!) in our front yard. The locals call them "nellies". Clippings from their branches are very hearty, and seem to last throughout the holiday.

Personalized ornaments are fun too! Within the last few years, I've tried to collect at least one each Christmas. My boys have also chosen an ornament for themselves with hopes of taking them along when they've grown. :(

This year I lucked out with this find! Trader Joes is a local whole food store. They carry all kinds of healthy alternative foods, fresh flowers, organic produce, and plants. The greenery in the picture below was $5.99 per swag! A great deal for me (I never find great deals!)!

My theme for the last 5 or so years, has been candy canes. I love the meaning of the candy cane. For those of you that don't know, or have never heard, the candy cane is steeped in meaning. The white stripes signify Christ's purity, and the red, the stripes He bore for us on the cross. The smell of peppermint is similar to that of hysop. Hysop was a balm used for healing wounds. The cane-shape represents that of a shepherd's crook, or a "J" for Jesus. Candy canes are a reflection of Christianity: God sent us His Son on Christmas morning. He was blameless, and without sin; pure from all iniquities. He led others, just as a shepherd leads his flock, and brought us healing through His love. He also healed with His hands, and bore stripes of blood for our sins. His name is Jesus. He is the reason for this season!