“I love the excitement, the childlike spirit of innocence and just about everything that goes along with Christmas.”

– Hillary Scott, American singer-songwriter

Happy Holidays! The spirit, excitement and gratitude has grown here along with a Christmas Tree expansion to ten (count ‘em) fully decorated trees. OY VEY! This doesn’t include the smaller trees scattered about. The newly arranged living room has nine trees spreading cheer in all corners. Here a tree, there a tree, everywhere…

Throughout the year, new items have been donated, bought and recycled to add to the “mishegoss” (Yiddish for craziness) that is Christmastime here at our Lakeside home. Many of you know my love of Christmas, and that it’s TRULY my favorite time of the year. During the weeks between Thanksgiving and Three Kings Day (January 6), I’m like a little kid again, engulfing myself in a home bursting with decorations in every nook and cranny. Come along for a look-see …

Like last year, an early start provided for an extended season. Every tree has its story to tell, and is uniquely decorated; as David is inclined to improvise as he goes along, from tree-to-tree.

Allow me to share with you an epic, tree-time tale …

White Birch Red Cardinal Tree

Bright red cardinals contrast with the Costco white-lit birch tree – the perfect perch for them. These beautifully crafted birds date back at least 50 years. My first Christmas was spent with Sheila 1979, and they were already many years old then. Every year they’re carefully and lovingly stored away in an original Buffum’s box (a defunct, old Southern California high-end retailer) that Sheila used to keep them in. The vintage red cardinals bring me much joyful and happy memories of Christmases past.

Fiber Optic Tree

Our first tree purchased in Mexico four years ago; replacing our fun, upside-down tree that didn’t make the move SOB. It’s lighted by fiber optics and provides endless, colorful light show sequences that are mesmerizing to watch. I could stare at it for hours.

It’s aka the Travel Tree; many of its ornaments are travel mementos from trips taken prior to meeting David, and those from our world travels together. New additions are gourds found on David’s Kenyan Safari trip. “Hakuna Matata!” (No Worries!), makes for the perfect Christmas motto.

Fairy Tales Tree

A fantasy tree chock full of famous children’s storybook characters, all depicted in bright colored, felt fabric and sequins. Each ornament was handmade and lovingly crafted by a retired schoolteacher in Long Beach, CA. I bought them over many years visiting her house, which she kept festively decorated year round. She had a large collection of Christmas salt ‘n pepper shakers that filled her kitchen shelves and dining room, which was an incredible sight to see.

A favorite? It’s hard to choose, but it has to be the Big Bad Wolf. He’s decked out like, please excuse me, like a pimp! It’s fun to walk around this tree and try to identify each character. Go for it . . .

Hanukkah Upside-Down Tree

There’s a bit of Hanukkah history here. For our first Christmas together, 14 years ago, I bought David a small, potted mini-tree; stripping the silly decorations adorning it, and replaced it with a Star of David. Over the years, that little tree has kept growing and growing, and is now an upside-downer that recalls our old California version.

Interestingly, there’s now a market for Hanukkah ornaments, and each year we’ll find a special one or two to add. Even Mexican craftspeople have provided meaningful blue/white themed ornaments to the mix. A teddy bear and rabbi hand crocheted by our town’s “crochet ladies” add a fun touch as they sit and watch over the festivities surrounding them.

One of my special and favorite ones is the little Jewish Boy; purchased in Israel during our travels there. He hangs alongside David’s favorite – the little blue and white stocking, hand knit by his friend, Cornelia. Can I get an OY VEY?!

The Royal Tree

Our newly crowned tree. We bought so many ornaments throughout our 22-day Castles Tour of Great Britain, that by the time we got home, it commanded its own tree. 2022 was Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, so there were great selections to be found in the gift shoppes.

The tree topper is a magnificent royal crown purchased at Windsor Castle; a most perfect find. The tree has its own travel story. It was purchased in the States, and we brought it down from our summer visit to Seattle. With last minute flight changes on the return home, the tree logged more air miles than we did!

Gourmet Tree

Foodie Finds … full of favorite eats, including David’s DOTS. The top has my favorite sweet of all ~ a front carton flap from an actual box of Junior Mints that David blinged-out for my birthday card. I’ve a strong feeling the Gourmet Tree is gonna grow in the years to come (watch this space).

Mexican Tree

Tlalpujahua, is a beautiful Pueblo Mágico in Michoacán. I’d written about this old mining town last year. It’s been reimagined and resurrected as all things Christmas (click on link). And to quote David, “… the drunken sailor was back in town!”

We’d loaded up our SUV to the max; selecting the most exquisite and delicate, hand-blown glass ornaments over two days. The Monarch butterflies bring back fond memories of a visit to their sanctuary not far from there.

The glass bulbs are all locally made, as is the tree; which comes in like 1001 parts, but once it’s all put together, it creates its own magical aura. Like a parent, you shouldn’t have a favorite, but this one is very special.

Garden Tree

It’s named the Garden Tree because it’s composed of the part of the palm tree called the Inflorescence, containing its flower and seeds. Last year, when the palm trees were trimmed, this discarded part spoke to me with its unique design shape; with a little bit of gold spray paint, it became the perfect little free-formed mini-tree. It sits in a gold terracotta pot, and decorated with little hand crocheted trees, trimmed in red jewels, courtesy again of the crochet ladies.

Adopted Trees

This year’s newest trees were adopted from our friend, Arvada, from her scaled-down move to Puerto Vallarta, and like puppies, the trees had to find a new and loving home. Say no more.

The fir tree is decorated a la Mexicana with blue, white, and red corn husk poinsettias, all made locally by a group of ladies in a small town across Lake Chapala. Other collected Mexican trinkets are used here, too. The Frida Kahlo and her Monkey tree topper was a gift from our next-door neighbor, Judy. She gifted it because I kept walking away with hers last season. Again, another wonderful hand-knit creation by the talented ladies of San Juan Cosalá.

Finally, there’s the small, white flocked Bird Tree filled with feathered friends of all stripes and colors; peacocks and hummingbirds prevail.

Much credit’s due to David for his careful, meticulous placement of each and every ornament; although he can sometimes get crotchety during the (lengthy) process. He transforms from El Señor Grinch to MVSH, Most Valuable Santa Helper. Let’s face it, he takes pride in his work and enjoys it along with me for the season. Every year he threatens it’s the last, and that he’s headed off to Hawaii to avoid the set-up, which is OK. “Let’s GO!” but only if the decorating is completed beforehand can there be Mai Tai time.

I am also very grateful and thankful that he indulges me in this craziness every year (remember “mishegoss” from the opening?). And, thanks to the storage gods that provided us ample space to pack away all this stuff. Call it what it is ~ JUST CRAZY!

Thank you for sharing this walk-through tour of our holiday home. I want to end by wishing you all the brightest, happiest and healthy CHRISTMAS SEASON and PB&J for 2023 ~ Peace, Blessings, and Joy! Sergio and David