Nutcracker for a Christmas gift
I always keep a box or two of Christmas decorations stored in my apartment. I can count on adding to them every year. Most of what I have kept has been ornaments that have special meaning. I worked for Meyer and Frank, a department store that is now part of Macy’s.
I still have some of the ornaments that I bought there. I usually pick out an ornament or two a Walmart. I choose carefully because not all of the selection appeals to me. I also bought a nutcracker there when they offered international styles. Mine is a Frenchman.
I have several other nutcrackers gathered in different ways. Most of them were gifts. I also have a collection of nativity sets. Last Christmas I bought a real tree to hang my decorations on.
This year I’m replacing the regular lights with LED ones. I have several small Christmas trees that I bought from craft stores (like Jo Anns and Craft Warehouse) that I decorate with small ornaments and beads.
I also set up an advent wreath. This involves special candles and greenery. I collected figures of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and friends from the local Goodwill store. I have found other holiday treasures at the Goodwill store as well.
I found a Minnie Mouse ornament at a local gift store. I use rocking horses, carousel horses, deer, Santa’s, Rudolphs, toys, cats (not real ones), angels, stars, moons and a few suns in the decorating sceme.
I rarely use garlands unless they are needed to fill in an area that is bare. I try to put a little Christmas in every room of my apartment, even the bathroom. I have a seafaring nutcracker to watch over the throne.
