[NYer]

Wow!! I'm very impressed with the great emphasis you all place on Advent, which was not celebrated by my family when I was a child. I was the first to introduce the Advent wreath when my daughter was young.

The Christmas tradition handed down in our family is, well, "traditional". We pick a free weekend mid December and ALWAYS purchase a real tree. It is decorated with colored lights and ornaments; some dating back to my childhood. For many years, I collected old world and unusual Santas. (Sorry, Mike, I like the "jolly old man"). These are strategically placed throughout the house.

My Christmas treasure, however, is a Precious Moments Nativity, acquired the year my daughter was born. Several years ago, I was truly fortunate to find a Nativity hand made by women in Peru. The baby Jesus is wearing one of those hand knit caps on His head.

[mike182d]

Sorry, Mike, I like the "jolly old man"

lol, you pagan. :-)

[SoothingDave]

In the north, we do the outside lights whenever we get a warm weekend around Thanksgiving. :-)

We have an Advent wreath, but haven't used it in past years with a toddler in the house, cause it's too chaotic. I know it's a little late, but I might try it this year.

The tree will probably go up this weekend.

SD