The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney

Decorating for Christmas has long been a major project in our home. There was a period of time during the 1980s where we had trees in every room. At the height of the effort, we counted 14 trees of all sizes and shapes in the house including 3 in the Family Room. Each had a differing theme or color scheme. We went so far as to have a small tree in the laundry room, where there was no floor or table space, and we suspended the tree on the light pull.
Since the children have grown, moved away, married and had children, we have cut back on the trees. We do have five trees on our first floor, though, and really enjoy getting the items out and make the whole house look like Christmas. We always have these up before Thanksgiving, so our early December postings will look at some of the highlights of our Christmas decorations.
We begin, of course, with the four grandchildren. My wife has hand sewn Christmas stockings for our children, then for their spouses, and more recently for the grandkids. As I look up at the fireplace right now, the whole family collection is bright and attractive. But when we put them up, I set them up for just the "fantastic four" to prepare for the annual Christmas picture. Using a filmstrip motif, the four stockings are matched with head hots of the children. This is an early look at the photo and if you get a Christmas card from us, you will be receiving a copy.
If you are not familiar with my angels, the eldest is Gianna, just turned 7, at the left. Her little brother Joey is next. They are my daughter Meredith's children. Carolyn, now 6 1/2, is next followed by her baby brother Bobby, just over 6 months. They are my son Eric's children. The two smaller faces in the photos of the girls would be the American Girl Dolls that Grandma & Poppa bought for the girls this summer.
More decorations in the next post.