{ Friday Foto Friends #57 }

I FINALLY got some pics of my decorations.

I didn't venture outside to get any pics but I'll try to do that later.

Our pre-lit tree is getting kinda old but I like it because it's just the right size.....

not too little, not too big.

(I suddenly thought about Goldilocks....;-)

One of the sections of lights burned out so what did I do?  

Headed to Dollar General and bought a cheap strand and now you'd never know!

I've had these ornaments for several years, too.

Many of them were gifts because when somebody  finds out you like owls......

well, you get blessed with them!

Most of the burlap ones came from Dollar General 

(yes, I do like that store but there's one just down the hill from our house, so it's VERY convenient).....

or Dollar Tree.....

(another favorite store.)

(Are you getting the idea that I'm frugal cheap....LOL)

So, here goes.....

lots of owlies and burlap on the tree.....

And, rusty jingle bells..... 

And, snowflakes.....

I ♥ my tree "skirt".

It's actually an old "bed sheet" (that's what Mamaw  called it) that she made out of grain sacks. I'm pretty sure I was the only one in the family who wanted it when the grand-kids were allowed to go through her things.  I also have a bunch of "dresser scarves" that she embroidered that I'm gonna do something  with.....

some day.....

This is one of my favorite CHRISTmas decorations.....

our nativity which is 40 years old this year.

I used to work with a lady who sold Home Interior (do they even still have those parties) and I got it our first CHRISTmas together after we were married in 1977.  I added a few animals along and also the angel that weren't with the original set.  It's survived all these years with only one accident.  Our nephew broke the neck off one of the wise men when he was a little fellow.  Pappy and my precious Daddy made the stable, including the little ladder.  That just makes it all the more precious.

I don't remember where this one came from, but I went through a phase where I collected nativities.  

I might try to share those in an upcoming FFF.

I sat this one on top of the chest of drawers in our bedroom.  It has a special meaning, too.  When my Daddy passed away 22 years ago Pappy's brothers and sisters got me this one and also a little stained glass church that lights up.

Just look at the details..... 

These three wise men are old.  My Mom had then when I was a little girl and they were always my favorite decoration that she would put out.  Although I'd hinted, Mom wouldn't give them to me so one year Jess bought me a set on e-bay.  Wasn't that sweet of her?  Then, Mom gave me hers.....

so now I have a set and so does Jess.

They've faded over the years, but I still love them because of the sweet memory.

The little nativity on the left was made by Pappy and Jess.  One year they made several of them and gave as CHRISTmas gifts.  The one on the right was made by some kiddos at church a few years ago and the money that was donated went to the Lottie Moon CHRIStmas offering.  And, of course HOPE is my favorite word.  

I painted these the year Pappy and I got married.  

They've held up pretty well with just a few nicks here and there.....

And, the last one.

I found this at Family Dollar.

(I branched out....;-)

I placed it right in the middle of our tree because in the midst of all the decorations and gifts and parties and programs and everything else that surround this time of year.....

right smack dab in the middle....

should be JESUS!!!

Happy Friday, Everybody.....

and, Merry CHRISTmas!