But like most of you, I hate doing this. Really, it was hard enough to get all the trimmings up. I think I spent the better part of two weeks to get this accomplished and I'm beginning to suspect it may take me that long to put it all away.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BLekmEgbJ5IaITWB7k3X2jqzh-QBAQqmzRnOlMq7LGxsR8ucsLsubBNwvUEz7-DxQT8moowzOO9XfRl10gflk9BfFrfgq0zNC326lCPVWy52J3m-cz0aa613vOsMnqimHP9k/s320/stockings.png)
I also use keepsakes from important events as ornaments. These are from Sweet Son and Darling Daughter-in-law's wedding 11 years ago. The bird's nest with eggs were on each table, and the bubbles were in a tulle-wrapped bottle with an angel motif.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnEtgZRN28sRVimoGFqSiZzsxMwerDuZ3J7z4NZuWWQ0A72ZNv9xEM6EmcSETDDQwlJPPTLX5pTLQ-c-PHTgvM7UeB_hnngWQ3mzrNstOyaS4oxudVi4KF6SzMhdhxXNHPQKa/s320/weddingbubbles.png)
I also like to remember my awesome brother who died just before Christmas two years ago. I have his photo in a tiny Christmas frame and I like to look at it.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XZ0HXoI1qpHJIfS6xT3_c08LZh8qSPS41CFP00FDnBBfecaV6Be7elXKKcn_3yxeYG8rYjBAbQZLUu8ItySBzI00wrAyk85Nm5OxDR-efP1TpIuZIT7iYNyhD88MdlCjG-LR/s320/normie.png)
There are lots of regular ornaments too, some whimsical, a lot shiny, and just plain pretty. The seashell reminds me of all the Mexican beach vacations we've taken over the years.
I seem to have a thing for flamingos too. Here's a miniature of the big lighted one that lives on my back porch.
I also like to pick up these glass ornaments that are so breakable but so pretty. Here's one of them.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEjEAPzEa-lGmpM_1d4lLSaaZcRGqh4wllTlarl4PfnwdDb7qc1Jb8WHmHsSF1GIhhfpfyT1OkZ_srYRJk3XLSLxLPwztt_j2f7u3Lu1jAyofnzDAid7yLhRt4k9ylw7f0mIa/s320/chineseornament.png)