Jolly O'Leary wrote:Noel+ wrote:Jolly, glad Perky is your perfect Christmas mate. For me, decorating is part of the joy of Christmas. I have celebrated the holiday without a tree -- and it was somehow sad. Too many life memories missing without a tree and precious ornaments received from family, friends and CAY pals.
For 14 years, I did not have a tree. As a compromise the ex used to hang swag lamp chains from corner to corner using lamp hooks and I put my hallmark ornaments and any cards we received on them. We also had an advent wreath. Due to lack of space I actually miss the "christmas chains". Perky is open to the idea, but we are not allowed to damage the ceiling and frankly I wouldn't have the energy. The emergency christmas bag has become christmas standard and the two boxes of ornaments live in the basement until I have the heart to throw them away. This year we will be in Texas for Thanksgiving and then on the Santa Cruise to Finland for Christmas eve and Christmas day, so we really only need a touch of Christmas to be festive. I will probably put up the Little tree when we get back. It's enough to keep me cheerful.
Funny story about the chains. I was 5'4" and the ex is 5'2" so we hung the chains just above our heads...........well.......when my "tall" family came over for Christmas Eve they had to duck under the ones that separated the "kitchen" from the "den" which was really one big room.
I feel some of their pain. I''m 6'-3" and have to duck or go around the Christmas mistletoe that we hang in the doorway between the kitchen and livingroom.