This first week of December was a busy one as we were getting ready for the Christmas season to begin.  I got all the Fall and Thanksgiving decor put away and then the Christmas decorating began. Took me a couple of days as I went through each tub and thought to myself, "I'm not going to do as much as usual." Yeah, right.  Sometimes it's like finding good friends you haven't seen a while and just can't resist gathering them all together! 

Here's Mr. and Mrs. Santa that my sister made for me about 50yrs ago.  Still looking good! I love them but probably love them more because she made them.

The wreath above the kitchen fireplace is also pretty old.  I'm going to date it at maybe 35yrs. I got it at a craft show that used to be held at our Historical Society manor home each year.  They don't do that anymore, unfortunately. 

The dining room that I photographed with low light is ready for family and friends to sit at the table!

The kitchen cabinets get the red ribbon treatment. 

Outside is also done and I couldn't resist a new addition to it this year:

A snowman and a little white snow dog! Yes, I was thinking of Annabelle!  On Tuesday we got our first real snowfall.

Made it look pretty festive.  Jack had a patient that wanted to see him and I wondered if he would make it with the winter weather advisory.  He's Amish and a little snow and cold didn't stop him!

He parked the buggy and horse snugged under the pine trees and made the appointment on time! As he unwrapped all his winter coats and coverings he laughed and said, "You English have it easy.  Just a  coat and then jump into your warm car! I know it's a real process to get around in the winter for them and many times they hire drivers in bad weather.  I give him credit for making that trip! This week also brought us the last full moon of the year.

I clicked a pic while waiting for Annabelle to do her duty before bed.  I didn't think to take a photo of the backyard all lit up like daytime.  So, the week went on with me working just one day on Thursday, then gathering with friends for lunch on Friday and also helping our Granddaughter, Summer, get ready for her hot cocoa and parade watching party. She moved into a new place. An apartment upstairs from a business right on main street.  A perfect, cute little place to watch the parade in warmth!  She got some decorations from me and she did a good job of hosting her first little gathering.

Nice job Summer! The apartment is super cute and has lots of vintage charm. 

The little kiddos that were there enjoyed watching the parade from above! Our little town, voted best small town in Ohio, put on a fabulous parade that went on for over an hour and then the tree lighting and fireworks followed.

Good job Ashland!  It was a fun way to end the first week of December!  I know there's more adventures ahead this month along with more cookie baking, shopping, and events.  Good month for blogging! Have a good week everyone!