Our decorations would win no style awards, most are fairly old now, built up over the years, some are made new each year to be added to our old favourites.
Decorating, didn't go as planned this year, I ran out of steam before the finish line, but those we did get up brought joy and fun; here they are before they come down and I forget what Christmas 2011 looked like.
The advent calender finished at last.

The Jesse tree all hung up.


The advent wreath much depleted.

The paper chains in the children's rooms getting ever longer, more crumpled and more looked forward to as the years pass.


The cards hung differently this year. They're taking the place of the angels and stars, moved into the dining room.


Made by the big boys and myself when they were little, still such a favourite.



Prince's bauble made by Auntie Joanna for his first Christmas, still going strong.

The hearts down the hall were new this year, and brightened a particularly gloomy (weather wise) advent day.

Piglet made this little robin this year, he's obviously taken on board my bletherings about waste reduction and recycling, bless him.


It's been hanging happily on the patio door handle, it's very tempting to keep him up!

The snow flakes were made during the only snow flurry we've had this year.

As ever our tree in the front porch has cheered up the gloomy darkness of winter.

And the big boys' angel of many moons ago has sat a-top as she always does.

And last but not least, our Nativity, which will stay out for few weeks yet.

There is a reassuring sameness about our Christmas, the years come and go, but the rhythms, patterns, smells and tastes remain if not exactly the same, then at least very recognisable. We've had a happy and very blessed Christmas.
Tomorrow - into the New Year.