“My fondest memories are generally the day after Thanksgiving. I get the total decorating Christmas itch.” Katharine McPhee, Singer, Actor

My decorating itch, aka the holiday decorating bug, began early this year – the week before Thanksgiving. Turkey Day and Hanukkah (very early this year) were spent in Miami with David’s sister and their newly transplanted NY cousins. They follow the Long Island tradition of once having retired, they then move on down away from the cold, snowy NE to the warm winters of Florida.

I’d spent many years traveling to the Sunshine State while my mom lived there; never having “Eat at Joe’s,” the famous Joe’s Stone Crab, a Miami Beach institution since 1913. This trip corrected that oversight.  

From October 15 until May 1, the eagerly anticipated annual harvest of stone crab claws causes a frenzy beachside. We got to join the feast and devour as many claws as possible.

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Lunch @ Joe’s was a total OMG! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! dining experience. From start to finish, it was unforgettable with the food and service of the highest caliber. I now have “…visions of sugar-plums …” dancing with Joe’s stone crab claws! There’s a good reason why Joe’s Stone Crab is the highest-grossing independent restaurant in the US.

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Let’s get back to my itching. The move to Mexico included packing most of our holiday decorations collected over time; with more having been added to the merry mix. The tree count stands at 5 ½.  Each represents a unique theme. Plus, roaming around the house you’ll find all kinds of festive holiday details.

Worth repeating … It was our first Christmas together and David walked into the house and screamed out, “It looks like Macy’s threw up all over the house!” Over the years he’s become a tree decorator extraordinaire. I guess I’ve corrupted him in a good way. As David is quick to say, “OY VEY!” 

Main Tree ~ fiber optic lit that flashes changing color patterns, and features ornaments of our travels together. Hence, this is ever-growing with these treasured mementos.

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The White Birch Tree ~ adorned simply with vintage Red Cardinals that go back over 50 years. It’s in tribute to Sheila, who gave me one of the best Christmas memories in my life.

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The skinny Fairy-Tale Tree ~ all these fun gems are handmade and sewn from felt fabric and sequins. They were purchased many years ago in Long Beach from an elderly, retired lady that kept her home festive throughout the year … an early inspiration. G-d bless her.

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The upside-down Hanukkah Tree (aka a “Bush”) ~ it’s grown exponentially over the years as wayward Jews’ demand for “Festival of Lights” stuff has increased. Holy smokes ~ we even bought ornaments in Israel!

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New this year is what I’m calling my Mexican Tree; all the handmade glass sphere ornaments were purchased in the Pueblo Mágico, Tlalpujahua, even the artificial tree was made locally. (Please see “Musings de Mexico, the November 11^th edition for further photos.) Cotton “snow” coats the branches to remind David of his NY winters.

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Finally, the “1/2 tree” sits in the dining room and its theme is “… a few of my favorite things.” Food-wise, that is. Featuring tempting foodstuff good enough to eat.

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And, of course, there’s other favorite decorations … the trio of trees purchased in Lincolnshire, UK, while visiting my bestie, Jim; the colorful, ceramic tree from one of the Pueblo Mágicos outside Querétaro – where my wallet jumped out my back pocket upon seeing it in an art gallery’s window, begging me to come in and buy, buy, BUY!

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It seems important to me more than ever to share some holiday magic, cheer, Christmas spirit this season. As the character, Mame sings in one of my all-time favorite films, “Mame” … 

Haul out the holly;

Put up the tree before my spirit falls again.

Fill up the stocking,

I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.

For we need a little Christmas

Right this very minute,

Candles in the window,

Carols at the spinet.

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Although we’re distanced by miles and kilometers, the memories shared over the years with family and friends are magnified during this time. And I can easily, happily satisfy my itch by decking the halls once again with joy.

My wish for you are years filled with PBJ … Peace, Blessings, and Joy!