Yuletide Cactus

These are the ornaments that are probably in my category. We'll start with the Yuletide Cactus. It (obviously) reminds me of good old Sin City. Out there it's actually palm trees that get strung with Christmas lights. I kinda miss sunny, 50-degree Christmases...kinda.


This kitty looks just like Ginger. Except for the halo. That is definitely not just like Ginger.


Ryan picked this one out. I agree. We do, in fact, rule. I have not, however, received an apple...ever.


The red sled is mine. Apparently, red is more girly. The cats have now knocked it off the tree four times. Needless to say, I moved it.


Ryan picked this one out for me, too. He seems to think I have a shoe problem. Just because you buy seven pairs of shoes in three days doesn't mean you have a problem. Flip-flops don't count as shoes either, by the way.


There are more ornaments, but they're in the "our" category more than these. Not to mention that none of them are as fabulous as Paco and the cactus.

Paco the Christmas Parrot

This is the beginning of my short photo-documentary about Christmas ornaments. These are the ornaments I kind of think of as being Ryan's.

You've already met Paco the Christmas Parrot. Isn't he charming?


When I was little, everybody in my family had a sled. Actually, the sleds are still around. They're at my mom's. This is Ryan's sled. It's awfully small. Maybe Paco can borrow it...


Big? Pointy? Definitely not my ornament...Draw your own conclusions.


I actually picked this one out for Ryan. It reminds me of Scout. It must be the halo.


What Christmas tree would be complete without a shamrock? Apparently, not ours.


Next up...Lynnsey's Christmas ornaments, including the Yuletide Cactus.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

One of the reasons I haven't put up a Christmas tree for the last few years is that I am owned by three cats. Here's Ginger after she helped me put the skirt underneath the tree. She's very happy about the Christmas tree. It tastes good.


Here's Gracie, inspecting the underside of the tree just in case anyone decides to take a nap under there (aside from Lola). We wouldn't want them to see any unsightly misplaced branches under there. Good work, Gracie!


In his blog debut, it's Paco the Christmas Parrot posing for a shot with Ryan before perching in the tree. He came all the way from the jungle to visit. He's looking forward to doing a little skiing.


Yours truly placing a lovely ornament on the tree, probably another tropical bird or something equally ridiculous to those of you who are more serious about your holiday decorating.

Oh, Christmas Tree

On Black Friday (because we're crazy), we went to Lowe's and bought a Christmas tree. A fake, not pre-lit, "Grenada pine," made in China, fabulous, wonderful tree. I haven't put a tree up for the last couple of years because the cats try to climb them. I haven't been excited about Christmas for a couple of years now. I'm excited about this Christmas.


While we assembled said tree, we had a bit of an audience. They think we're stupid. They know that trees belong outside.



Here's Ryan posing in front of his "job well done." Nobody fluffs fake pine branches like my man. The funny part of this picture is the hat. It really is that cold in my house!


Ginger helps out by making sure that the tree smells good and tastes right. She gave it the thumbs up (even though she doesn't have any) and we proceeded to decorate.



The finished product...It's been up for a day and the girls have only knocked four ornaments off and tried to eat a couple branches. Let's just say we're waiting to put up any of the really breakable ornaments. Those of you who decorate your trees with distinct and uniform color schemes should probably not look too closely at the tree. You might have some kind of seizure. I'd feel bad about that.


Stay tuned for a short photo-documentary of Christmas ornaments...