Xmas Day Prep

When we were young, my family on my Mother's side traditionally got together on Christmas Day to celebrate my Aunt Mae's birthday. Everyone received presents on Mae's birthday!  Hey!  Why not? No one works on Christmas Day. Everything is closed around town. It's the perfect time. We also have the traditional bagels, lox, whitefish salad and cream cheese.  Doesn't everyone? This year, we're maintaining the tradition with a very small group of friends and family. I've been running around town, picking up delicious deli items, baking cookies and cleaning the wax off the menorah which has been relegated to the top shelf of the breakfront for another year.

Larry and I are in full de-clutter and cleaning mode.  t's a whirlwind of activity around Chez Bloom-Underhill. Last night Larry hauled out a recent purchase from one of the many estate sales he frequents. He advised me that he was going to put up an aluminum Christmas tree along with a rotating, electric color wheel to illuminate the tree. We haven't had a tree in our house for over 20 years. I'm indulging him this year. Each shiny branch is stored in a brown paper sheath, depicting the length of the limb. The base, pole and limbs must be assembled. Larry loves doing projects like this. See how happy he is?

Larry figured out the construction of the tree quickly. I think it looks like a strange desert bush when it is unadorned.

We lifted the tree onto a low end table, turned on the rotating light and beheld it's beauty. We must have a box of ornaments buried in the garage, but we thought that the cotton crocheted and knitted beverage coasters and small knitted ornaments made by friends gave a natural look to this unnatural tree!

Thanks to Suzette, Audrey, Mary Jo and ME for the colorful "ornaments"

We're almost ready for tomorrow's brunch guests!  Merry Kitschmas Eve, my friends!