I got interupted from my massive rant on my Thailand holiday yesterday to go put up the Christmas tree. I have to say that setting up a tree and putting on the trimmings really helps to get a person into the Christmas spirit.

I still haven't gotten presents yet though. My brother quit his job late last month and they won't let him take extra leave during his last month so he won't be back till January. When in China, I bought my mom a set of silk bedsheets as an early Christmas present. Yeah, I know that kind of ruined the surprise since she was right there picking it out and such but it's still a good present, in my opinion.

That leaves my dad. I really hate Christmas shopping for him. He likes the 'simple life' and does not really want much... which is a good thing, except a couple times a year when I am left scratching my head trying to figure out what he'd like.

Took some pictures of the tree and some of my more favourite trimmings (boy I'm going crazy with the pictures this week, aren't I?).

The lights haven't been put up yet but other than that, yeah... thats the tree.

This is one of my fave Christmas tree decorations. This little angel just looks so lithe and graceful.
Delicate, little glass bells with silver glitter around the top are probably the best of all the decorations. I remember being a wee, l'il lass and being so very careful while putting the bells up so as not to break it. Unfortunately, now we are only down to a few of these precious things over years of accidental drops and bad store-aways.
My brother made this while he was in pre-school.

Under the tree, we wrap a skirt around the base and then place a bunch of neat festive decorative candles and some pine cones that have been accumulated over the years. Those candles have been around for absolute ages. I have seen them displayed at some place around the house every Christmas season for as far back as I can remember. I believe they were first obtained either in Australia or in Brunei.
Another delicate glass trimming. I love glass tree decorations. In my mind, it makes the tree all the more fragile but beautiful. Like something that needs to be cared for, not just displayed.
My mom made these when we were back in Brunei. Christmas socks and a Christmas wreath.

Ah, me! Christmas is come...