December 6, 2022

My mother used to give us a Christmas sweater every year. They became known as “ugly” Christmas sweaters, and after a while, I must have had at least 8 of them.

One day, in one of my rarely seen purging episodes, I decided to donate most of them. One of the biggest mistakes of my life. Not only do I miss my mom’s sense of humor (and admittedly, sometimes gaudiness) they represented, a year or two later, they became quite popular and sold for a fortune in resale shops!

I also regret that I don’t have more pictures of the sweaters my mom gave me. But after searching through years and years of photos, I have found a variety of “ugly” sweater pics, “ugly” vests, and “ugly” pajamas.

But, none of them are really “ugly.” They all make me smile and bring laughter and joy to the season, even years later!

Back Camera

I did find this one “classy” Christmas picture, too!

May your holidays be filled with the kind of “uglies” that bring happy memories, and joy to this season!

December 5, 2022

My four-year old grandson, Jack, loves to tell jokes. I’ve gathered several to share with him and thought I’d share them with you, too!

What do you call an elf that runs away from Santa’s workshop? A rebel without a Claus!

• Why don’t you ever see Santa in a hospital? Because he has private elf care.
• Why does Santa have three gardens? So he can ho ho ho.
• How much did Santa pay for his sleigh? Nothing. It was on the house.

Why will Santa go down your chimney on Christmas Eve? Because it soots him.

• How do you wash your hands over the holiday? With Santatizer.
• How can you tell that Santa is real? You can always sense his presents.

What brand of motorcycle does Santa ride? Holly Davidson.

• If Santa and Mrs. Claus had a baby, what would he be? A subordinate Claus.
• What does Santa spend his hard-earned salary on? Jingle bills.

Who is Santa’s favorite singer? Elf-is Presley

Advent Calendar Day 5

Welcome to my virtual Advent Calendar.

Click on the calendar date box below to find the day’s “gift.”

It may be an old Christmas photo or memory, a haiku or flash fiction, a favorite Christmas carol–who knows! (Today’s Hint: Ho! Ho! Ho! or Ha! Ha! Ha!) 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Click on the box for today’s “surprise.”

Oh, Christmas Tree

My friend, Judy, and I were complimenting each other’s trees the other night, and we got into a brief discussion of “tree styles.” I mentioned that I was tempted this year to go all gold or all silver, but that once again, I went with my sentimental “tree of life” theme, where I hang the ornaments I’ve collected over the years.

I used to have A LOT more ornaments, before I gave the ornaments collected through my kids’ childhoods to them.

Judy’s primary tree is the same “tree of life” theme, but she gave me the idea of having a “secondary” tree, with the “highly stylized” theme that tempted me this year. I might give that a try next year!

Here’s a smattering of my trees over the years:

2015

2012

2010

2002

And following are a few of my mom’s infamous trees. My siblings and I share many memories (and laughs) about my mom’s insistence that we place the tinsel “ONE STRAND AT A TIME.” She always loved flocked trees–something you don’t see much anymore.

And here’s a blast from the past: remember the oscillating lights we used to place on the floor next to the tree? Well, perhaps you didn’t partake of that 60s tradition.

1996

1987

1993

1972

2000

No doubt we were smiling about a job well-done on the tree! (Like the “Mom” jeans?)

Happy Decorating to All!

Advent Calendar Day #4

Welcome to my virtual Advent Calendar.

Click on the calendar date box below to find the day’s “gift.”

It may be an old Christmas photo or memory, a haiku or flash fiction, a favorite Christmas carol–who knows! (Today’s Hint: Christmas Trees!) 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Click on the box for today’s “surprise!”