Oh Christmas Tree

Yes, its that time of year again.  Thanksgiving has come and gone.  Regular season college football has now wrapped up.  It is time to get out that artificial tree again, or go pick one up at the lot, or even go to the tree farm for a "fresh cut".  No matter what you use, once it is in the stand, with lights a glowing, with ornaments a sparkling, the magic of the season has begun!

Over the years we have collected quite a variety of ornaments.  B.C. (before children) we made an assortment of handmade cross stitched ornaments that we still get top billing once the stringing of the lights has been completed.  We also have quite a collection of "dough boy" ornaments that we collected from one of the vendors at Mistletoe Market Place until she retired.  These will eventually find their way to Christmas Trees in the homes of our boys.

My personal favorites have been a series of ceramic ornaments made locally here in Mississippi by an artist named Gail Pittman.  Gail had a Christmas dinnerware pattern that would have a different center piece in the middle of the plate.  She would also make an ornament with the same design.  Another series that she did was the "Twelve Days of Christmas".  For twelve years I knew exactly what two or three of my gifts to my wife would be.

More than twelve years have passed.  Gail Pittman no longer makes these ornaments locally.  Turned into an "over seas" kinda thang.  Honestly, I have been lost in my pursuit of the annual gift for the spousal unit.  Sadly, the times do change :-(.

This year, LaNelle will be recovering from her second hip replacement surgery during most of the holidays.  No trips to the Delta for family visits, or even a trip to the Krystal Grill.  Both boys were home for Thanksgiving, and along with the girly friend, they "volunteered" to put up the Christmas tree.

Work in Progress:

 

The completed Tree:

Here are some of the ceramic ornaments, mostly from Gail Pittman:

Twelve Days of Christmas 

 

Annual dinner plate ornaments:

And yes, there are even some representing our favorite teams:

Always remember the "reason for the season".  Teach the lessons well so that the future generations don't forget the true meaning of Christmas.  Wish I had done a better job.  In Jesus' name, AMEN!