TaDAH!!! The Changing of the Gards this weekend! WOW what a sight!  

my pleasure, transdisc. I like learning about other cultures and customs myself!

I dont know how much further south you are than I, but arent christmas decorations wonderful too? colourful and fun?

They are lovely.

aah thanks, you are definitely theeee bestboy!!

I guess one could surely say that is one 'does' Christmas.. a pretty popular 'time of year' event, isnt it?

I realize now that I have been naughty and have completely ignored your question about what I personally do for the changing seasons........

I love candles in the winter. I tend to burn them all around the house (especially scented ones that smell like winter - banana nut bread, pumpkin pie, hazelnut coffee, etc.)

I tend to decorate more for the holidays than for the season. In summer, I put bunting (red,white and blue, of course) around our front porch. I have several plaques with patriotic phrases on them for the porch also.

In the fall, I have a silk leaf garland in fall colors that I place around the front door. We have pumpkins, indian corn, and the like to decorate with.

And of course for Christmas, we have a decorated tree in the living room. Lots of decorations (figurines, lights, stockings, etc.) all around the house. We put greenery garlands around the front windows and door. My son won a huge fresh greenery wreath with a red bow for the front of the house. We have an extra artificial tree that will be on our porch. We will put lights around the tree, the windows and the front door. My husband is especially "into" the season this year(yippee! I'm not doing all the work this year) and wants to go get some more lights.

Thanks that you enjoyed learning about our custom. My wife has fine taste hasnt she? well I like it anyway

I like the sound of what you do there around the year!! How creative you are!

So after going to all the trouble to come back here and tell us, DO we ALSO GET to see PICTURES????
( say YES!!)
that would be grand to see your fotos..start a discussion and put one in there!!why even add one here if you cant wait!!I would love to see your 'stuff'!!

Hopefully, my Christmas gift to myself this year will be a digital camera. I started a discussion awhile back about what I should purchase. I received lots of help for when the time comes. So in the meantime, I am using a basic "point and shoot" 35 mm camera. I am living at the whim of the local Walmart photo developer for any recent photos. I am however going to post an older photo of my two children (when they were small) on my profile page if you would like to see my two beautiful kids (I am sooo boastful! Don't tell my Dutch reformed relatives!) I'm posting them right now!

I hope you get that camera!! You can do away with running to developers completely!
AND you can just click away anything that isnt so good or even FIX and ADJUST any picture with your program that comes with the camera!!

I loved the pictures and you deserve more chances to take pictures of these beautiful kids.. pictures say so much and last forever. Be boostful all you want.. I wont say a word!!!

Thanks for indulging a mother's pride! They are two very wonderful children in so many ways!

You have a daughter that I have heard about. How old is she? Does she live near you at all? Does she visit during the holiday season?

She is in her early 20 and has a little boy. I hope she will make it for Christmas to Sweden.. what a fine time it will be. I have a holiday also!

Ooooo, a grandson! A little viking boy!

aaah Teka,, the next time the sun shines I will take a foto for you!
'Brazilian sun'!

but is it possible to send a few degrees of warmth too. My fingers get so ccccooooold sometimes when I am out too long.

be well, my friend. Always so nice to see you!, my beautiful white tiger!

Thanks for sharing YOURS! It sounds really nice!

balloons!!??? I dont know that tradition at all, no..intersting. he could start one.. or is trying to?.

I guess every place has its own traditions..Even people of all diferent faiths or religions here take the opportunity to have lights in windows against the dreary darkness. it warms the hearts. Perhaps your customs there is not so much different?? maybe more of it, could be?

Ah, the winter solstice, I see that for your tags, once I observed the yule log fire at someone's house (in their fire place). We did the exchange for gifts, you bring something extra and take something you need, eveything put in a pile and people taking turns giving and receiving (taking) as per what they can give and what they need. Hot mulled cidar is a must. Take care

I rahter finds that interesting and sound like fun, this yule log tradition. Thanks so for sharing that!

Hallo dear daffodil, Thanks that you enjoyed the little journey into my home. My whole street is like this but for one home.. they will no doubt be away for jul,, they travel very much all the time. Otherwise it is wonderfully light, like many stars in the dark sky.. When it is dark so early, you need the light to be well, to feel well.

aaah the changing of the factory workers.. yes I imagine the economy has changed the lighting in many a life, hasnt it.