It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Decorating for Christmas has been a slow process around here.

For one, we never carved our pumpkins for Halloween, so those are still on the front stoop. There's a wreath on the door, sure, but I think maybe we're sending some mixed messages to our neighbors.

For another, I just don't have a lot of Christmas stuff. I've made a point of acquiring more (it's on the list after all) but I'm picky and stuff gets expensive, so my acquisitions have been pretty minimal. Which is fine with me. I love making my house feel special this time of year, but I don't want it to look like Santa Claus threw up all over it.

We've got some shiny trees on the mantel.

A new nativity from my sister-in-law.

Another nativity that used to be ugly gilded wood, is now all gold (I painted it), but I don't love it this way so I'll probably spray paint it white before next Christmas.

A handful of white ceramic figurines: the deer bookends on the top right shelf above, a little penguin, and the fox I picked up a while back.

Along with our tree, some fresh greenery, and a handful of other things, that's pretty much it. It seems to be enough for now, though. It feels--and smells, thanks to Donna Noble Fir and my cedar garland--like Christmas is coming. The goose is getting fat, y'all.

I can't wait.