This year our tree is loaded with memories as opposed to my usual "theme" tree. A few years ago I opted for a tree full of green, amber, gold, and a touch of leopard. It has ornate flowers and feathers and it looks like it was on display at a fancy store. It is a beautiful tree but this year I wanted an old school, traditional tree, the kind I grew up with. I loved decorating this year unwrapping ornaments I had not seen in a few years and remembering.
I found the first ornament my Sweetie ever gave me, ornaments from past travels and those given by family and friends. There are ornaments I bought with my Sister in Maine and ornaments I bought when Clyde and I surprised my Mom with an unexpected trip to San Francisco.
This tree is the kind that takes me back to being a kid and believing in the magic of Christmas, and it makes me happy.
Behold, the Christmas Village.
Complete with GIANT reindeer and adorable Basenji.
Oh yeah, in my Christmas fairytale village there is a Basenji awaiting a crackling fire or a warm lap.
So here it is the first weekend in December and that means it is my annual Christmas Cookie Exchange brunch. Tomorrow at 10am my friends will arrive, full of holiday spirit, with four dozen cookies in tow to share. We'll sip coffee, eat yummy food, chat about the year behind us, the holidays and the year ahead. They will tease me about my Cookie Exchange rules and I'll take it in stride knowing all to well that everyone loves a challenge. At noon everyone will pack up their assortment of four dozen cookies and return to the hustle and bustle of their day.
Let the baking begin.
Who knew they made edible glitter? That just makes my heart skip a beat.
Tonight I am baking, Crisp Salted Oatmeal Cookies with White Chocolate, recipe found here.
Oh my gosh, the aroma of these baking is heavenly, butter, brown sugar, oats and white chocolate.
Chocolate Sables are next........
What are your favorite holiday traditions?
