Christmas Decoration Secret

I'm going to let it out... my secret decorated house. Yes, you heard me right... MY HOUSE is the secret. I will now share my decorating prowess with more than just my VT's, HT's, Emily and Melissa. I have no other visitors during the holidays even though I BEG and PLEAD for more. Last year I even had the YW come for a meeting. I'm not in Relief Society or Primary, but I offered to let them use my house for meetings and I would even attend them to share my cute ideas. Didn't the Lord tell us to let our light so shine so all in the house may enjoy the light rather than letting it waver under a basket? Too bad they had already made other plans. There goes my willingness to share my smarts (did I mention smart is my middle name?). Sigh. I guess they'll miss out and I will shine my light to my blogging friends and family who really do care.

I got my tree as quickly as I could after Thanksgiving. I'm going home for Christmas (actually thought I'd be spending more time there, but work kinda got in the way... dumb livelihood) and so wouldn't be able to enjoy the tree for long.

I need to draw your attention to some details you might not have noticed at first glance. Do you see the homemade stockings (by me) hanging over the fireplace with handmade yarn angels (by me) sitting on the mantel... oh, you need a closer look?

Here. You will also notice that I hung up my Santa suit on the fireplace.

The dictionary by the fireplace I got for Christmas a couple years ago from Santa. I then received the dictionary stand the year after from the Parkinson Family. Sadly, I don't have a proper tree support to place it on... Just sayin'.

Did you notice how beautiful my tree was in that first picture? No? Well, let me show you. Notice the handmade angel (by me)on top. Emily put the handmade snowflakes (by me) and handmade thread angels (by me) around, even the ugly.. I mean different blue ones (made by me). See how well it is trimmed around the bottom? Spree took the buds off every branch he could reach. The silver ball hanging by the sheep is for him. He likes to say hello to the bird reflection, bump it to ask it to scratch his head, then yell at it for hitting him! Yes, hours of entertainment for both of us. I should get it on video sometime.

And of course, you must see my stairs. I made the gold bow out of left over ribbon from work and the garland was also free from work. There are some lights outside but they don't show up very well so you will just have to imagine the beauty that is my courtyard. The best part of the whole thing is that I have it all on timers. I come home to lights on and a beautiful (albeit dry) tree.

There.. now don't u wish u visited me more often?

BTW.. I accumulate tins. I don't say collect because that implies having rare or antique ones... nope, I just like pretty and interesting tins. The one on the bottom stair was just given to me by my coworker Marcia. Its from the scouts! Never had one like that before.