Thank you for all the awesome comments guys! I have not been well the last few days and those have really picked me up. I usually do much more all over the yard but found I was very strapped for time this year. Also things are coming to a time to say goodbye to this old house so I didn't haul out a lot that is better left until next year. It was fun all the same and the neighbours just loved it! In fact, my next door neighbour who is always giving me a hard time, wants me to help her make some trees. I hope to have a whole farm full next year! Sending happy, healthy, positive vibrations to all for a great year ahead! Namaste Ginny

Rafor's idea about attaching the finials with floral putty is a good one. But there is another way to use the putty. Pinch off a large marble sized piece, and roll into a snake. Circle the snake around the bottom of the finial and attach that to the candleholder or other surface, and twist just a little bit as you press. The open spot in the center of the snake creates a bit of suction that helps hold the object. No Christmas decorating here until at least mid-December. I like to leave up the decorations into January, because it is SUCH an ugly month here in Chicago, and seeing the pretty lights on the tree and happy touches around the house do a lot to help me forget that it is ONLY January. LOL Our neighbors put up their holiday wreaths the day after Halloween. I just shake my head.

wat is your style... colored or white lights. DH has always put up lights at his house when he grew up. So we outline the entire house and all the windows. Last year we added an inflatable snowman. We aren't too fond of the inflatables but he was cute. This year we are adding 2 4ft. trees on the walkway in front of the door. We use universal clips to attach everything. most of the time they work well but there are spaces that are hard to get them to stay. Follow the directions on the lights for how many to attach end to end. Ruth

Since consumer culture was so different in previous decades, it was easier and "more natural" to be observant of the season of Advent, the four weeks prior to Christmas, which is part of the liturgical calendar in many Western Christian churches. Remember, there was a time when Santas and Jack O'Lanterns did not share space on the same store shelf! The spirit of Advent, which started this year on Sunday, November 27, is quite contrary to the hectic pace, noise and busyness, most find ourselves in the midst of right now. It is supposed to be a quiet, reflective time, during which we contemplate the coming of Christ. *After* this period of waiting and reflection, the celebration begins. We receive the greatest gift of all! The light of the world has arrived; it is Christmas Day! We rejoice as we witness what Isaiah prophesied, "The people who waited in darkness have seen a great light." Oakley, *speaking for myself,* I do think the real power and meaning and spirit of Christmas has gotten lost in the consumer shuffle for many. The world doesn't encourage it, but we can choose to shift our priorities and focus on more than the just the trimmings and the trappings. That shift in priorities may still include gift giving. How we practice and express our faith is never a one size fits all proposition. What I find it helpful to remember and focus on right now in this season of Advent, is the truth that what we are in fact celebrating, is the awe-inspiring *humility* of God. God brought himself into human history, with almost frightening quietness and humility. How could entry into the world be more humble? A manger, a stable, farm animals, dirty shepherds, and God presenting himself to us, as, of all things, a vulnerable, helpless infant. Nothing remotely glorious sounded his arrival; no trumpets sounding, red carpets unraveling, just a heartbreakingly humble scene. There was no advertising, publicity or special privilege. Though it has been romanticized time and again, there is little glamour to be found when thinking of a young girl searching frantically for a place to give birth. Once a year at least, I feel I should put aside the pretty pictures and take in the facts; this amazing, astonishing event. I don't want to escape or distract from the sense of awe, the almost frightening realization, of what God has done. I must never allow anything to blind me from taking in the true significance of what happened in Bethlehem.