I love the weekend after Thanksgiving. It’s the time I set aside to decorate for Christmas.
I would suspect that I am not alone in this tradition.
With a long weekend at my disposal, I take my time making my way down to the basement
And returning with boxes full of treasures that have lain in wait for nearly a year
Treasures to be rediscovered as if for the first time.
Every homemaker has their method of choice…their signature style for making their dwelling merry and bright.
Some arrange winter village scenes
Others opt for a collection of nutcrackers
As for me?
It’s all about sparkle.
I eschew the candy canes, reindeer, snowmen and such
In favor of showing my holiday spirit with sparkle.
My groom rolls his eyes and laments that he will be finding glittery bits in his sock drawer come Easter
But still
I am compelled to sparkle.
If it don’t have the bling?
It ain’t worth nothing.
If it don’t shine?
Then it can’t be mine.
If it’s not bedazzled?
This mama’s sure to be frazzled.
{Insert five more sappy holiday couplets here}
{Have I made myself clear?}
Sparkle. Dammit.
As tradition in our family dictates, The Cherubs are in charge of The Nativity. And although, in past years, they have put their personal mark on our Christmas decor with arrangements like Cirque du Messiah and A Mighty Fortress in Bethlehem,
This year?
They unanimously agreed to take my passion for sparkle to heart.
Hope, defined, in a season of hope. *sigh*
So last week, on the day after Thanksgiving, after I had finished bedazzling the halls, I went upstairs and took a long, hot bath while The Cherubs set to work on The Nativity.
Then I padded back downstairs in my robe to find the lights dimmed, save for a flicker of candlelight coming from a corner of the family room.
As I drew nearer, there was nary a Cherub in sight.
But, lo, there was sparkle.
Behold the 2012 Nativity:
Cosmic Bowling with the Holy Fam
Inspired by a prompt from
Your children have a great sense of humor.
Just like Mom.
Sparkly apples and sparkly trees, I suppose, A.
Oh I need to find my Christmas spirit and get my house ready… seeing all your sparkled helped.
Always glad to help, Jen. In addition to my inspirational photos, I’m offering up free underage decorating labor. Yours through the holidays. Consider it.
Just keep them away from the glitter glue. They could paint some sparkle on in a heartbeat.
Heh. I pre-emptively hid all of the crafty paraphernalia *before* starting the bling-fest.
Ha! That’s awesome. I saw a quote on Pinterest yesterday that said…”some girls are just born with glitter in their veins”…i love it
P.S. Thank you for your kind words yesterday…they meant the world to me.
xoxo
Yes. That must be it, Jen. I have Type Glitter blood. And you are welcome. x
Almost fell off the elliptical..xo
If you’re hurt, I’m fairly certain we can bling up a bandage or two for you…
Sparkle on!
Your decorations look great – I especially love the nativity.
Me, too, Meg…Me, too.
My daughter would be right with you on the sparkle!
Love the couplets, by the way!
Your daughter is welcome at our sparkly home ANYTIME.
Could my child actually be your child that was dropped off by the stork on my doorstep? I am not saying I don’t appreciate a good bedazzling, but like you, she thinks all things should scar the retina with their mighty shine.
Jealous that you are done. I still have an old pumpkin on my dining room table. *sob*
Oh, come ON, Thea…who doesn’t appreciate a good retina burning around the holidays?
Your decorations are most sparkly and quite lovely. Maybe the gold sparkling ball with the baby Jesus is actually the Christmas star that fell to earth?
*That’s* the spirit, Jamie.
If one cannot indulge in a little holiday-inspired sparkling bedazzlement at this time of year, then when can one, I ask? I think your sparkle is lovely – makes me look forward to decorating this weekend.
Blush. Thank you, Kim.
I can just imagine that your vaccum cleaner also glitter days, months, and years after you’ve stored that stuff away.
But I do admit, I love me some sparkle.
It’s EVERYWHERE, Kimberly. Nothing like finding a little Christmas bling between the couch cushions in July.
My wreath on the door is still fall leaves, I need to get the Christmas spirit going here…..Need to borrow your kids…..Cirque du Messiah and A Mighty Fortress in Bethlehem is needed at my house.
I’m with you. Sparkle it up!
A-to-the-MEN, Mama.
LOL…Sue, I’m looking forward to the day when the kids try to set up the Nativity set instead of eat it. Didn’t stop me from putting up the tree though …Lord help all my ornaments.
Paige, that day will be here before you can say, “spandex pants.” Enjoy the chaos!
Pretty! This weekend is our weekend to get ready for Christmas. LOVE this time of year!
It was 62 degrees in Chicago today…If we had known that, my groom would’ve put off the outdoor lighting fiasco until this weekend!
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