With a little help from...

...my brother...(my friends weren't interested) I got my tree up!  And in one day! Sure helps to have a couple more hands! 

Despite my bother's urging to keep it simple and not put ALL my ornaments on the tree, I could not resist; I restrained myself while he was here, but after he left to go back to the city? On went the chandelier drops, the pearl garland and a few more lovely shiny objects we had overlooked...Maggie likes shiny objects, especially ones that dangle...

I did not go totally overboard though and, in my brother's honour, filled two big boxes with Christmas baubles that had not yet found a purpose and will take them to the Salvation Army next week. So, at least I cut back somewhat.... 

This evening was lovely. I turned on the tree lights and all the other fairy lights on various Christmassy objects and vignettes around the house and settled in by the fire to read... all cosy, waiting for the snowfall that is forecast for tomorrow ..

Tomorrow should feel even more like Christmas!