You are quite the wild card, Nanner... I'm loving it.
My tree: small, prelit, about 3-4 feet tall, artificial, in an "outdoor" style urn. It has my favorite decorations on it, saved through the years, and they are the perfect number for the tree. The star on top is a pure white star-shaped shell with a turquoise ribbon wrapped through the points of the shell. The ornaments include angels, snowmen, stars, wise men, a wood duck, a little grandma, reindeer, santa, ribbons, wooden carved strings of beads, birds, etc.
The atmosphere is restrained, but joyful. I burn incense. I have "candle-like" oil burner lamps which are made of venetian-type glass and can be on all the time (without the oil, of course).
I have bought no gifts yet. I am shopping today, and I have a list, but I am waiting for inspiration to strike, because I enjoy a flurry of a last minute search....I am a happy procrastinator and love overnight deliveries.
This is a romantic Christmas for me. My boyfriend is a Christmas cactus, a tiny bit prickly at times, but he is showing his true colors at last. I have everything I could possibly want. Normally, I would travel to be with family in other states, but he is my family now.
Last night we stood on his street, which has a reputation here for wild, extravagant and kooky Christmas lights. These people are creative and wacky. It's a party up and down the street, families with children, couples, students, the occasional musician, a slow parade of cars with their lights dimmed.
And so, a little bit of everything in my stocking.
On Christmas Eve, I occasionally stay up and watch a little of the Pope on tv. It's a spectacle that can be spellbinding. I enjoy the traditional music and ceremony.
This year, I hope to remember a few of those in need, perhaps in my neighborhood, those ones that stand around the drug stores and convenience stores, the ones who have so little. Although, to be honest, this is not merely what needs to be done at one time of year.
This year, I also hope to remember that every day can be Christmas. Let us all givers and receivers be!
love, blink