A holly, jolly Christmas

Part of what makes the holidaze so meaningful is the annual tradition of getting out the decorations and ornaments. They become almost like old friends over the years, each one harkening back to its time of purchase, providing a precious link with the past and reminding us of the cycles of life in all its vastness and intricacy.

Or maybe you’re simply un-boxing some cheap stuff that was on sale at the Dollar Store last winter or that you won in a gift exchange at the office; either way, holiday decorating is a not-unpleasant activity providing one is in the right frame of mind. Getting there is half the battle.

We’ve just finished our decorating. My better half handles the Christmas tree and the outdoor lighting, and I get to arrange the holiday tchotchkes. I’m always happy to see wine Santa:





















He puts me right in the holiday spirit. You’re truly never too old for wine Santa. This guy can stuff my stockings any time.




















To keep him company, I have the Christmas Queen, Joyous Julie. Santa simply adores her. Julie came fully equipped with several of her own bottles and two glasses, as well as some other feminine accessories and a spare crown, which Santa likes to wear. The two of them hang out during the wee hours of Christmas Eve, clanging crowns, clinking glasses and trading sob stories. Julie thinks it’s rough being the Queen of Christmas when no one’s ever even heard of her, while Santa tells her she doesn’t know how good she has it.