This year, the only thing that's hanging on the tree's fake forever green branches are lights.
Lots of them.
They sparkle and shine, the teeny teardrop shapes, the vintage elongated ones, and the round orbs. All together, they shed the most magnificent glow.
Simple is best this year. For sure.
But I do love my vintage ornaments, handed down from my grandma and assorted relatives ... and gleefully gathered from random shops and flea markets over the decades. And even though they remain attic-bound this season, they are sure to make another holiday appearance before long ...
over time, those aqua and pink babies on the left rarely saw the light ...
their vibrant colors are as spectacular as the day they were bought
one year I didn't even bother stashing these gems in their ancient cardboard homes ...
instead they resided in big ol' glass jars where they were appreciated all year 'round
chips and scratches and flakes don't distract
one single bit from this star-struck lovely
this oh-so-faded marred red and white striped beauty
still catches the tree's glowing lights
one of a very few left from a larger collection,
this fragile baby is tissue paper thin
an ancient celluloid Santa light holds court way up high atop a jam-packed jar,
while his felt snowman friend sports a battered hat and holds a tiny broom
old snow globe Santas join the colorful orbs as they party all over the place,
while a wee little celluloid friend and a cardboard gift tag nestle in the freshly clipped holly
more and more companions arrive to join in the fun ...
and I can't help thinking that Grandma would be oh-so-pleased and
very much surprised to see her holiday belongings bringing joy to so many
You just might love these little albums, too ...
