[magnolia]

We don't normally decorate outside simply because our house sits so far back off the road and really can't be seen unless you drive down our driveway. But I did convince hubby to buy me an animated, lighted deer for the front yard (I have 2, a buck and a doe) - I set them up right outside the front door in front of the living room window! As for inside, about the only thing I put out decoration-wise is a wreath for the front door, lighted candleabras for the windows on the front of the house, and the Christmas tree. As a child, my mom never put the tree up until the first week-end in December and I followed that tradition until the past couple of years. The boys LOVE the tree so I've started putting it up the day after Thanksgiving (or by that week-end) so that we can all enjoy it a little longer. This year, because my niece and her husband may have to leave the day after Thanksgiving, I'm probably going to get my tree the day before Thanksgiving (if I can find one I like), let it sit outside overnight so the limbs "settle", then bring it in Thanksgiving morning and decorate it while dinner is cooking. We are going to have our Christmas with them that night (due to their work schedules, the can't return at Christmas). I hate having to do that because I am a firm believer that each holiday is special and holds it's own meaning, don't mix them - but on the other hand, it just won't be the same to exchange gifts without a tree! Does that make sense or am I just being crazy?!?!?!?! Oh, and regardless of when I put it up, it will be un-decorated and out of my house by New Years Eve....another of my mom's traditions.