Christmas Tree is Up!

As hard as it is to give into temptation sometimes, I try to stick firmly to the rule of 'tree not up before December 1'. I don't even know the reason for this; I just know that's 'what you do'.

(Playing of 'Carol of the Bells' however, is perfectly acceptable no matter the time of year. This time I even downloaded it!)

Thankfully this year I had December 1 off, so after a particularly wonderful day, Brad and I started the fun but hot task of assembling our tree once more.

I always get Brad to put the beads up and the lights, because no matter how hard I try, it always looks like cat vomit by the time I finish with them. I'm quite happy to do everything else with the tree - just PLEASE keep me away from the beads and lights!

And so here it is. By day and by night.

I think this is the best job we've ever done with it. I think what helped was the fact my parents just came back from Europe and brought with them some new ornaments for us to decorate with.

For added measure, enjoy some close-ups of my favourite ornaments this year.

Purchased during my Cape Town holiday

Our African angel that adorns the top of the tree (found in OxFam two years ago)

And one that seems to embody the whole spirit of Christmas 2009 for us.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas season and enter 2010 with joy and happiness.