1. Wire ribbon –
Years ago, I embraced wire ribbon with open arms and admit I might go a little
overboard with it. It makes decorating a snap for those of us who are digitally challenged. With wire ribbon, my bows are
now flouncy and fabulous.
2. LED lights –
I think it was Christmas 1987, when my mother, my aunt, and I loaded up the car
with kids to pursue the time-honored tradition of looking at Christmas lights. This was the early days of spectacular civic light
displays, so we headed toward the extravaganza that had popped up just off the
highway on the edge of town. We wound through acres of East Texas piney
woods that had been transformed into a fantasy land. Thousands...nay, millions of lights twinkled and flashed,
drawing oohs and aahs from even the adult passengers in the car. At the exit, my
aunt voiced the horror that only people of a certain age can appreciate: “I
wonder if these are the kind of lights that when one bulb goes out, they all do.”
I tell that
story to reinforce how grateful I am for the advances made in the Christmas
light industry. This year I purchased new strings of LED lights that are
guaranteed to last ten years. TEN YEARS! Think of it! For ten years I don’t
have to worry about putting up strings of lights, only to have the middle
string go out two nights before Christmas.
3. Extension
cords and three-way connectors – While we’re on the subject, anyone who has ever
put up outside lights knows that that house-lighting scene in Christmas Vacation is really no laughing matter. Few tasks are as maddening
in the season of peace and good will as getting strings and strings of
lights properly connected. The job requires the patience of a saint. An
electrical engineering degree comes in handy, too. This year, even with the few strings I put out, I faced a
particularly challenging situation. I was able to solve it with an extra
extension cord and a three-way connector. So far the house hasn’t
burned down. Talk about a Christmas miracle.
4. Silver, gold,
and white – I once had a pilates instructor (blonde and millennial) who claimed
her favorite color was “shiny.” When it comes to Christmas, she and I are on
the same page. And when it comes to shiny, nothing gives you more bang for your
buck—or flash for your cash—than gold, silver, and white ornaments. Add some
crystal icicles and glittered grapes, turn on the tree lights and Wham! The bling is blinding.
5. Wax warmers –
Burning down the house with electrical cords and connectors isn't a huge concern of mine.
Burning it down with a candle is. So while doing early Christmas shopping this
year, I bought myself a gift—an electric wax warmer. With a fake tree and fake greenery, let’s just say the perfume of pungent pine never
permeated my house. But this year—thanks to my wax warmer—the scintillating
scent of cedar does. (I know. I get carried away with alliteration.) Let me add
this one caveat: No matter how effective a wax warmer may be, it’s no match for
steamed Brussels sprouts. Just sayin’.
6. Fairy lights
– Yes, we’re back to lights again. My favorite southern writer, Rick Bragg insists
that it’s “lights of color...that mean Christmas,” but he and I will just have
to differ on this one. While I admit the intense hues of those trendy, new
lights do create a giddy and gaudy glow, for me nothing creates a
wonderland like white lights. And if they happen to be reflecting off
snow, it’s a magical bonus.
Like I said, a
rather strange list, but they truly are small things that have added to my
enjoyment of the season. In summary and in the spirit of sharing, let me wish
you...
Flouncy bows,
bulbs that won’t fail,
scents that remind you
of a forested vale.
May the sparkle of
Christmas be yours to discover
in twinkling lights...
...no
matter the color.
Have a blessed
Christmas!
Sooooo with you on wire ribbon - "flouncy bows" was not a term I could relate to prior. Umm, I hate to burst your bubble about the "10-year" claim on LED lights . . . so I won't - it's almost Christmas after all!Hope yours is blessed and Merry!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shel, for not crushing my fantasy of lights that last for ten years! I prefer to remain child-like in my belief that Christmas miracles do happen. :-)
DeleteI have purchased the book already and recently came across your post. Well I think that I will read the post first to get a simple idea about how good the book will be.
ReplyDelete