The Heart of Christmas - Decorating Decisions 2005
December 21st, 2005 at 8:20 am by Dee O'Neil Andrews
Due to circumstances way beyond my control, my somewhat mixed feelings about the Christmas holidays to begin with (I hate crowds, materialism, etc.) have slid down to around Zero - zilch.
If any of you have to ask why, go back and read some of my posts this entire year and maybe you'll get a clue. However - I'm not giving up totally. Just because it's December 21 and we don't have the first Christmas decoration or light or tree or anything out or up and there are only four days left till Christmas, why should that hinder my getting in the proper mood and frame of mind?
There's still a little time in which to recover from this temporary dampening of holiday cheeriness on my part. And even though it looks like the only Christmas tree we will have, due to my being on crutches and the racing scooter only and Tom being at work all of the time except for a few short hours each Sunday, if that (he worked all day Saturday, didn't get home until 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning, slept a few hours, we went out to get groceries and supplies for a week and about 5 p.m. Sunday afternoon he had to go back to work until nearly 8 p.m. to finish up some things that his employees didn't get finished during the night), will be a computerized version that I'll load up on Tom's computer in the kitchen/den and project onto the big TV in there.
I'm also big on Christmas music, so we can listen to lots of that the next four days. In fact, I've already been sitting here the past several days listening to some of our numerous great Christmas CDs for inspiration. I go more for the traditional and classical songs, while Tom, who loves the blues, has a good many Christmas blues CDs and those seem to be the perfect fit for this year, somehow. But I'm going to let you help me decide.
I need some help here from you all. I've got to make a decision about which Christmas tree picture to project up onto our huge TV screen from Tom's computer to decorate around to set the theme for this holiday, including the music - classic or blues.
So, please do me a big, big favor.
Look at the two pictures below and tell me which tree I should go with to set the tone for this Christmas, 2005. Remember all of the events of the year for us and select the one you think best depicts and represents what our theme should be - "Blues Christmas" or "Classic Christmas."
You'll have to carefully examine the two pictures because there are only subtle differences between them, which is one of the problems I'm having in making the choice. And remember that these are going to appear much bigger on our big screen TV. So, pick your choice for us and vote with your comment.
First - should we go with the "Blues Christmas" theme do you thnk?
Or should we go with the "Classic Christmas" theme?
Well - what's your choice, guys? I know it's a hard decision for you to make since they are so much alike, but choose one - please! This could have ramifications for the year to come, you know?! Hope you're having fun! CHEERS!
Alright, already. Classic. And it may be a little too sweet for Tom’s taste, but we’ve been listening to the Carpenters’ Christmas CD. I’d rather go with the Boogie Woogie Christmas by the Brian Setzer Orchestra. But compromise was necessary, and I love Karen’s voice. Very Bing-ish.
Given what little I know from you comes from reading your blog in the last few months I have to say that the Blues Christmas seems more fitting for your personality and sense of humor. But if you want to check out from reality for the day then definitely go with the classic! Yes, I did read your post about David and Becky G. It does not surprise me a bit, I have known them both since I was a teen and they have always been super people and great Christian examples. I am glad they are a part of your life now and hope you can make it back to fellowship with them soon! Merry Christmas!
Hummm Cookie Monster or cold snow. I like Cookie Monster and he might provide a smile. It is just so dark. the great thing about the blues is if you listen you will feel better afterwards. The are really not dark at all.
I will have to think on these pictures before voting. But of course are wishing you a Merry Christmas.
Anything with a muppet in it gets my vote!!!
Merry Christmas!
Dee, this was such a tough choice. The differences were so subtle, I had to look long and hard to notice them. But alas, I saw the lights in the classic one and that did it(grin). Classic!
God’s Grace.
Well, it’s 3 to 1, already, in favor of a “Blues Christmas” at the Andrews’. That’s interesting. Some of you know me a lot better than I thought!
I would - could - write a lot more here about my sentiments, but I don’t want to (overly) prejudice the voting. Other than telling you I’ve had the first picture tacked to the bottom left corner of one of my two “bulletin” boards (which serve as true, preserved works of art I created over time about my life), for at least 25 years because I always felt it perfectly captured my take on the holidays for the most part.
Tommy’s right - you can’t help but smile at Cookie Monster under that pathetic, but somehow dignified, tree and Tom and I always DO feel better after listening to the blues.
Oops! Another vote came in while I was writing my comment. Now it’s 3 to 2 (not counting my own vote, which shall remain secret until after you all have had your say - ha!) in favor of the blues.
But classic is close behind, so I guess it’s “too close to call” as yet. The polls are still open, so cast your ballot.
I think my Christmas spirits are picking up, already.
Ok my vote is for the blues tree, but I request that the TV be turned on its side so that it is in potrait mode. That will make the picture/tree bigger!
I have spoken. so be it!
{I think Tommy is getting a superiority complex…}
Really, Tommy - what’s up with that?! I mean, just because I said you were right about Cookie Monster providing smiles and the blues making you feel better (mainly because you never have it as bad as what the songs are about), doesn’t mean it has to go to your head.
Of course, I realize (per Tom - having heard it too many times to count) that “the natural order of things” is that “men are superior to women” (as even Donna alludes to), so I shouldn’t be surprised at all. ha!
And, actually, the TV on its side in “portrait” mode so the tree will look good is not a bad idea, if I say so, myself. Gosh - I sure hope Tom doesn’t have time to read this post and comment before Christmas day or he’ll be in there laying it on its side till the holidays are over! You think I’m kidding here, too, don’t you?! . . .
Blues with some Blue Grass mixed in. What about Elvis?
Classic. And watch A Christmas Story for fun.
How ’bout Photoshopping the classic Christmas picture into the background of the Blues Christmas picture. Officially, though, it would be Blues Christmas, with a general nod toward Classic Christmas. Ah, nevermind. Just play blues music, get happy, throw the monitor on its side and have a restful Christmas.
Wow - The vote is now 4 1/2 to 3 1/2 (thanks to Ray’s split/combination vote) in favor of a “Blues” Christmas, so the race is close. Although I DID get a “Blues” vote by email this afternoon, so I guess I need to count it as maybe an “absentee” ballot or something.
But, the poll is still open for more votes if anyone should drop by in the next day or so to take a peek at what’s going on here at “Finding Direction” this week. So, it’s not too late to cast your vote.
I’ll be around over the holidays (as you know), so will post along as I can. Those of you who have been reading here any time at all know that somehow life keeps intervening with all my plans and you never know for sure what the next day, or sometimes, next moment will bring to us. So, keep reading as YOU have time. There’s always SOMETHING going on here!
You are so funny. I had been waiting to come to your blog until I had time to read the two options…
I go with Blue for sure!
You are a doll. Thanks for the very cool e-card tonight!
Nancy
Classic. Definitely. You need some Christmas cheer this year.
So, what did ya decide? I’m with the blue’s.
Loved the card. Merry Christmas to you & Tom!
Hey Dee… Would you mind checking out my post from Friday the 23rd & letting me know what you think?
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