All of us here on the Farm would like to wish all who celebrate a very Merry Christmas. It is a purely secular holiday for us – all about sparkling lights, a tree and the happiness of the season. I love the joy of sending gifts to Secret Santa partners and of course of receiving them. Who doesn’t enjoy a fun present?
Every year I share our Christmas tree and some of my favorite ornaments. I look forward to putting the tree up as it tells the story of our marriage in a way. Every time we went somewhere I bought an ornament to mark the trip. My goddaughters and nieces and nephews have bought/made me ornaments through the years. When I bring them out every year I remember their provenance and those memories are precious.
Christmas Tree 2018
Last year we had the great real tree or artificial tree debate and after 36 Christmases with a real tree we bought an artificial tree. It was just getting to be too expensive and too hard for the hubby. This year he pulled the tree out of the box and it was up and lit within 15 minutes. Much easier. Anyone who comes in the house thinks it’s a real tree so I am happy. I can also have it up longer so that makes me happy. By the fourth year we use it it will have paid for itself. And no pine needles everywhere!
The Farm Cats and the Tree
I have to admit I am very fortunate with the Farm cats. They really do not bother the tree. Or the ornaments. They give the tree a sniff or two when it first goes up and then they pretty much ignore it.
One of their cat beds sits under the tree and one or the other of them is usually asleep there at any given time. Even with ornaments at eye level they ignore them. I know how unusual this is and I am thankful.
Favorite Ornaments
I love ornaments and the hubby loves Christmas balls. So the tree is a mix of both of our traditions. This melted snowman ball is the perfect mix of both of us, isn’t it? This was a gift from a friend and it makes me smile every year when I take it out of the box.
As many of you know, the hubby and I moved from our house in New Jersey to a fifthwheel trailer and we traveled about the country for several years. That involved a lot of downsizing and I could only take so many Christmas items with me. But the one thing I collect came along – the Hallmark Mischievous Kitten Ornaments. I have every single one from when they first came out.
I was happy to add this year’s kitten to the clowder on the tree. It fit right in with all of the other kittens doing bad things.
I also have any number of other cat ornaments – including this beautiful blown glass cat in a stocking. Another gift from a friend that makes me smile.
Each year we add some new ornaments. We have a very talented friend who is a potter and she made this beautiful bear. It really sparkles in the light and I love it. It’s a perfect Montana memory.
I gave the hubby his ornament early this year. One of us gives the other an ornament on opposite years. This year I gave him a bunny. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you know why. If you don’t…..
A New Farm Pet
Someone dumped some domestic bunnies in the neighborhood. It is really a horrible thing to do to bunnies or cats or any animal. So we trapped one…..
…this is Cappuccino the bunny.
I will tell you his tale after Christmas. He is a really sweet little guy or girl. We don’t know yet. We are off to the vet for a checkup on 12/26
Have a Wonderful Holiday
I hope that anyone celebrating Christmas has a wonderful holiday. For everyone else have a great day. I will be taking a couple of days off from the blog to just relax, spend time in the kitchen and enjoy time with the hubby. I will be back on 12/27 with a new post. I’ll be posting on Instagram I suspect but who knows. I might go dark everywhere….
