[DBlain]

wow it's so interesting to hear everyones take on the holidays. I have to say I enjoy everything about Halloween except for me having to wear a costume. It's weird I really love seeing everyone elses costume but have often skipped a party when costumes were mandatory. Last year I went all out and decorated my front porch, but this year I was to lazy and used the excuse that we are having our portico demolished and a new one is being built any day now. My house is filled with beautiful witch dolls that I have been collecting over the last few years. We get so few trick or treators which I find sad.

My husband and I have no family here in MI so we have started our own Thanksgiving tradition, we eat our annual Thanksgiving crab legs by our fireplace, with some good wine and a movie. Early in the day we just do our chores and by around 6 or 7 we enjoy our meal. Then on Sunday I cook a turkey breast and the trimmings so we can have it as left overs during the week.

Christmas is my favorite holiday, the decorations will be up by Thanksgiving, I have 6 trees throughout the house along with lighted wreathes, garland, Santa houses, a collection of Christmas tree toppers and tons of other stuff, I even change lampshades, valances, pillows, and bathroom décor. I don't take it down till the second week of January but leave all the burgundy accents up until April. It's depressing when it all comes down because everything looks so bland without the vibrant Christmas colors. Last year I hired a neighbor for $13.00 an hour and she helped me get it all up. I had pictures from the year before, so she had a plan to work from. This worked so well I felt it was money well spent, so I am doing the same this year. In fact I think I might hire her to help me take some of it down.