Christmas Preparations

I've been busy over the past few weeks doing things big and small to get ready for Christmas. 

I helped my parents decorate their Christmas tree which involved much rummaging through boxes of vintage decorations and hearing about which ones were bought when.  They were all so lovely that I was oohing and ahing over them.

Many of the decorations were bought in the early years of my parent's marriage over 59 years ago.

Even the box storing the spire was vintage.

Some of the oldest ornaments were bought in the 1920s when my father's parents were first married, like the one below.

And the tree looked so pretty decorated from head-to-toe in its vintagey loveliness.

I finally finished my Christmas shopping in a flurry of activity last night. The presents may not be wrapped, but I can tell you my favourite way to wrap them - with kraft paper and tied with ribbon, wool, or twine.  Love the simplicity of it.

We have a few decorations up around the house like the mantel and sideboard, but haven't done the tree yet.

 

And the tree cake pan that I covered in cloth got some brown ribbon trim along the sides which definitely made it look better.  In fact, it is now one of my favourite Christmas things rather than an oops-this-didn't-work-out-as-well-as-I-had-hoped category (you can see it in its original version here, although you can't really see that the sides looked ratty with the judicious angle I took the photo).  I like it so much that the cake pan tree gets pride of place beside the hot chocolate bar which is ready and waiting for the younguns to get home from university.

I also made another paper star - this time using a beautiful bronzey paper.

And finally we got into the Christmas spirit by going to the Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery District a few weekends ago with friends.  Nothing like beer, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, and wood smoke to get you into the Christmas mood.

How are preparations around your house - nearly finished?  in full on panic mode?  sitting back with tea in hand and a grin on your face?  Do tell.

Linked to Christmas Tree Link Party  at A Thoughtful Place