Holiday Secrets

First I must tell you that I'm not one to take on a challenge just for the sake of it. Having said that, please understand that I get down right crafty when it comes to budget Christmas. I love it.
I think I do pretty well with it because of one philosophy: I think Christmas can be so festive and chitchy, ANYTHING GOES.
So, when there is an open invitational to decorate a table for the Christmas party, you bet your sweet yule bippy I'm using the glorious yellow enamel plates I use every day. And put everything on a coordinating...sheet of wrapping paper. I like to make a Christmas display by the tree, but don't do a lot to cover counters, tables, etc. I dress the windows in the other areas of the house and that sufficeth me greatly.
If I think some things are cool, I find a way to keep them: A new tradition to keep the Christmas tree trunk cuts and using them as additional decor.
I put pretty scrapbook paper in frames that were from the dollar store and originally given to me as church lesson handouts with other sayings inside.I've learned little tricks in the process. I mentioned this last year- my tree usually has 800 lights on them and it requires nearly nothing to achieve: I just lay the strands, still mostly zig-zagged from the box on top of the boughs and by doing so, I create an extra depth in lights AND the ease of display and storage because since the lights are still at both ends of the strand in the "zig-zag" form, they never get tangled before and after use. Just scoop them up with your hands and put a tie around the lot. (Note to self--do not exceed 8 strands because 9 only blows the fuse every few days. *I couldn't help my self*)
I love white poinsettias and really vibrant pink ones. Then I don't feel I have to toss them after Christmas. I leave them out and about, enjoying.Shhhhh. I cut off a row of boughs from the bottom of the tree and make my own swag for the front door.

I don't like to store things. Tree decorations mean only the absolute foundations. The string of beads and the wire ribbon go around the tree and then the rest of the spool gets tossed behind everything. When it's time for the tree to go, I just wrap it all back on the spool. And who is to be the wiser??
Jake makes the delish cookies (though they didn't get frosted. They needed to get on the tree.) In case you're wondering, the rule is, we decorate together; then nothing comes off the tree. If a gingerbread guy falls off because the ribbon or hook pull through, the kid can eat it.
The tin star is from Danielle's room. The metallic "peace" accessory is from Jake and I's room, except I had extra candy striped ribbon to use and now it's for Christmas. The wreath is from my days at college.
And I sure do testify that the best embellishments are content people. Allie and Dani play in front of the tree, in what sunlight there is to be had while I make breakfast and before the day really begins. I know I'm not super-talented-crafty- like many of you who do so with skill and ease.
I do want to always keep it simple; I hope we find meaning in Wonderful Christmas Traditions for our families.
Peace, Joy, and Love to You!! And that's no secret.