We've been in this house 14 years now, the longest we've been anywhere. It takes time to get the decorations right, and we're quite satisfied now.

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I have little tin lanterns with a battery powered voltive candle lining the drive. They are more visible in person.

I have been told that around Nazareth and Bethlehem, outside lights are typically white. We go against tradition! Look close and you can see Marley looking out the sidelight.

I made the door wreath last year. I think it looks quite realistic. Click, then zoom in to see if you agree.

This time, Marley is quite visible.

I have matching garlands on either side. I really like this star. It reminds me that the underpinnings of this season is marking the longest night and celebrating the return of longer days.

The window ledges have the words for the four weeks and candles of Advent; Hope, Peace, Love, Joy.

This stag wreath is another favorite. Our decorations intentionally span the cultures. This one contributes an icon from the Pagan solstice observation.

Notice the crows on the ledge. When we first moved in, Lyle would come in and say Where are you V? I'd say, up in the crows nest! The crows are Huginn and Muninn. The are the Norse god Odin's crows. He would release them into the world in the morning and in the evening, they would return, sit on either of his shoulders and whisper what they had seen.

This was a card Lyles dad sent home to his parents the first Christmas he was away during WWII. In the 90s, a relative was going through papers, found it and sent it to us. His dad had been gone about 10 years when we received it. Imagine the shock of a Christmas card from the past like that!

This music box is from Lyles childhood. It has a crank that plays a weird tune and a cord to wear it on your neck.

My Christmas cactus collection is out of control. They are too big to display the set well. I have pink, white with pink tips, yellow, orange and finally red. The yellow is unusual.

Here's a closeup of the yellow Christmas cactus.

I loved the smell of the real Christmas tree when I was a child. I have tried and tried to bring in fresh greens to create that smell, but I just can't get it. I'm beginning to wonder if the smell was more intense due to my age. I bought these candle wreaths for several years. Since they had no aroma, I kept the hardware and eventually made these artifical versions.

Here's a closeup of the candle wreath.

The fireplace mantle has pieces honoring several traditions; Christian, Pagan, Islam and Jewish.

From left to right, reindeer.

The Islamic Egg has the 100 names of Allah written on it. I hope any Muslim friend entering our home know they are welcome, seeing this.There isn't a Muslim holiday this time of year this year. Some years there is.

At the center, elevated by Jack's ashes, is a Nativity snowglobe.

My Menorah is loaded and ready to go. Hanukkah is celebrated From December 15 to December 22 this year. There will be a lot of candles going as we approach December 24! I hope the fire halls have adequate staffing!

A Christmas homestead setting snowglobe, a shout out to the Norman Rockwell personification of Christmas.

I planted holly and privet to use as greens for this floral piece. This year I converted it as well to artificial. It takes a candle and lights up the Madonna and Child. Its staying on the shelf under the TV for now.

I got tired of the big tree. So much effort to haul it up, get the lights on and all the fiddling with the decorations. These go back downstairs, a bag goes over them and they come back up ready to go next year.

Lyle enjoys seasonal activities like Easter eggs, Christmas cookies and Christmas trees. I think he did a great job on this tree!

The Advent candles are ready to go. We have a tradition of lighting the candles with a prayer, reading or something for each candle on Christmas Eve. This kicks off our holiday celebration. Our selections over the years have come from Dr Seuse, the Dalai Lama and Buddha as well as the Bible.

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