Simple

A gathered arrangement photographed by my mom outside her sister's house in Germany

Proof that simple things can be lovely. I am trying to keep that in mind this year. I have always, always gone over the top in my Christmas decorations. I love ornaments - they are sentimental to me;  I remember where each one is from and from whom (My dad has been giving me an ornament each year since I can remember). But this year, for the first time, I didn't get down one box. I decided to go buy a small tree at Lowe's, and my sons and I decorated it with red ribbon and real candy-canes. It was quick, fun, and I am enjoying the beauty of it's simplicity.

Written by my grandmother, during WWII, who was "den mother" to her son's Cub Pack

Twas the night before Xmas

And Santa's workshop

Was humming with action

That didn't dare stop

Till all Santa's helpers

Had finished the toys

That Santa would take

To good girls and boys

Old Santa was anxious

To be on his way

For he knew that his travels

Would last until day

He had read all the letters

Had everything fixed

He knew that he must not

Get anything mixed

At last it was over

A years work was done

The elf men helped Santa

Load packs full of fun

Tho Santa is magic - a

generous giver

There are some things this year

He cannot deliver

Don't ask for prime ribs

to go in your roasters

Or think in your stockings

you'll find pop-up toasters.

There'll be no new Nylons

for anyone yet

Nor a new set of tires are

we likely to get.

But let us be happy

and cheerful and gay

We can celebrate Christmas

The American way.

(circa 1940)

all photographs: cashonandcompany.blogspot.com