JUST ENJOYING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Every year I try to get all my Christmas shopping done and then I like to take a day and go by myself to the Malls. Not to do any more shopping. Just to enjoy the decorations, listen to the music and watch all the hustle and bustle.


Today, I thought I would make a quick dash out to pick up a few more presents.

I thought I would be brave and head over to one of our smaller malls, in hopes that it wouldn't be as crowded.

This mall used to be called Crystal Court and it's across the street from our big mall, South Coast Plaza.

Every year they put up this different kind of Christmas tree. It's three stories tall so I couldn't get it all in one picture.


The top is the tree top and a big Santa, then the middle has a little village built into the bark.

The windows light up and you can almost picture the families going about their day inside.

The bottom has a train going around and through the tree. There is snow all around and little animals hidden throughout.

This is the top of the tree.

It's pretty clever and it is different but I'm not sure if I like it or not. I think I'm more of a traditional kind of girl and prefer just a big tree with lights and ornaments and a star on top.

The mall was pretty empty and I found myself walking around and just enjoying the feeling of Christmas that was in the air.

The music was playing, people were in a happy mood and I saw this sign that pointed me to the man himself! Santa! I just had to go see him.

I saw snow and polar bears playing. I must be close to the North Pole by now.

This friendly guy offered to give me a ride in his sled but I told him I would just walk.

Then I saw it! A sign that said I was there. I was at the North Pole. I saw a house and wondered if I could have possibly found Santa's House.

I moved over a little bit to take a peek inside and there he was! He saw me. He waved to me and shouted out "Merry Christmas".

I gave Santa a smile and I waved back then I quickly walked away. I didn't want him to think I was stalking him. Nor, did I want to take away any time the children had with him.

A short walk down the way I notice Santa's Express was open. Oh how I wished I was a kid again.

I would have loved to been able to hop on the train and have the big bear conductor take me around.

But, I am an adult and so I had to leave the train without a ride.

So, I went into the stores. I loved looking at the tables all set for the Holiday.

I thought this was a cute idea. Brown paper packages tied up with strings as the little gift to your guest.

This table was all reds and whites. I thought it was pretty and could be perfect for a breakfast table setting or dinner.

I think I like the red and white look for Christmas tables. There are so many colors to pick from and so many pretty settings out there it's hard to pick.

What's your favorite color?

As I was walking around and people watching I almost forgot to look up!

Once I did I noticed there were lots of decorations up there too.

Big wreaths hung from every entrance and there were beautiful big pots of bright red poinsettias everywhere.

Even outside was decorated with red and white flowers and larger then life size ornaments with hangers attached. They look like the Jolly Green Giant dropped one of his ornaments for his big tree and it landed right there.

I did get a few presents but mostly I just enjoyed the Christmas season in all it's glory.

I can't wait to get out the bigger malls now. If this little one was so full of the Christmas Spirit I wonder wonder how exciting the bigger places will be.

Now if only I would feel better so I could get my own Christmas decorations out...

IT'S OFFICALLY TIME FOR CHRISTMAS NOW!

Well, Thanksgiving is over for another year. I've gotten up early to hit the stores for Black Friday. The Fall decorations are put away and now it's time to start getting the Christmas decorations out in full force.

I am going to start with my tree. But, I think I will wait until the weekend to put it up.

I love trees with lots of ornaments, dripping with beads and garland. Sparkling with little lights and having a vintage flair to the decorations.

I have so many ornaments I can't put them all on one tree. So I mix them up using different ones each year.

What about you? What types of ornaments do you have?

Do you have a real or fake tree? A green or white tree?

I love a real tree because it makes the whole house smell good. However, I put up a fake green tree. That way I can leave it up longer without the fear of it drying out and starting on fire. Plus, it's so much easier to put up. No dead needles to clean up.

Some people get creative with their trees. Look at this one made out of beer bottles. I guess that is one way to recycle.

I've noticed more and more colors are showing up for trees. I'm not a big fan of the colored trees. A green or white is the only one I really like.

Some people like big fat trees. I like more the tall thinner type. Not to skinny though.

I like the flocked trees too. Sort of gives it that fresh snow look to it. I've never had one though. Only green ones for me.

As a child, I remember having bubble lights on our tree. I love these kinds of lights. I think I'm putting them on my tree this year.

I also like to use little lights on my tree. Some years I use colored lights and some years I use only white lights. How about you?

I remember the big lights as a child. I don't really care for the big ones on the trees though. I do like the big lights for outside rather then the small ones.

I also like multi colored lights outside. We use a mixture of big lights and little lights outside.

So tell me, what do you like your tree to look like? Do you change it up every year? Do you keep the same look? Do you get a fresh tree or fake?

I'll be sure to post the photos of my tree as soon as I get it up.