Countdown to Christmas: Christmas Eve!

Well, I'd like to say I'm ready, but I'd be kidding myself.

However...the table is set ready for breakfast and dinner tomorrow.

The tree is decorated. Goodies have been made to give to friends and family.

But the living room and kitchen are a mess and I still have some wrapping to do!

I guess I'll be counting down hours then minutes!

Countdown to Christmas: 9 Days Nicol Sayre, Another Fabulous Santa Claus Artist

Much like Dee Gann's designs, Nicol Sayre's Santas and other exquisite figures have been licensed by the mass market industry (in her case ESC Trading Company) to make them more affordable for people like me who cherish their talent, but don't have the budget to procure their originals.

Even though there is still a chance to purchase one at a very reasonable price on eBay, I am simply tapped out.

Available on eBay

My mother said something to me today that was rather disheartening. She said that maybe the reason so many fine collectible Santas are selling as such low prices is because no one is collecting Santas right now...and that we (Americans) are letting go of Christmas.

Of course we can blame the economy, but even during the depression era, war, and the most dire times in our country, people pulled together to celebrate in some way.

So, I recommend that we (Americans) no let go of the things you love just yet!

If you do even a quick search on the internet, you'll find people are still collecting and/or using the things they love to adorn their homes to ring in Christmas!

Traditions Year Round Holiday Store

By all means, give us Santa artists a chance to keep on making a living do what we love!

Check out some other Santa artists at The Santamakers Guild and while you're at it...check out Nicol Sayre's blog! There maybe something in there you'll want to add to your collection.

Countdown to Christmas: 10 Days Yet It Still Feels Like a Monday

I haven't done much in the way of Christmas shopping this year. I ordered some gifts off the internet and I've picked up a few little of presents to put under the tree...if only I could just find my tree skirt!

Decorating has been rather challenging for me lately and I think it is time I come to the realization that neither my husband nor my two sons are going to be much help with this either now or in the future.

It looks like it is time to pay a college kid...wait a minute...I HAVE a college kid...to help me retrieve boxes from their hiding places.

It saddens me that my family doesn't care to participate in the decorating, the cooking, the cleaning, organize the family portrait, etc...voluntarily. Even worse, they won't do it for money.

As if the arthritis and fibromyalgia weren't bad enough.

HOWEVER...

I did a little shopping therapy today, and something that I've been wanting finally came available on eBay at an affordable price.

The really strange thing is that it did not come up under a regular search and it is amazing I found it at all.

I do love Dee Gann Santas and I am inspired by her talent.  I found two reproductions this year that I was able to purchase and today, I found a third with Dee's signature that had a starting bid that was in my budget but I got this feeling (and I've learned to listen to that "feeling") that if I did not just go ahead with the buy it now price...I would regret it.

So, now I am waiting for this fellow to join my other two!

He's actually very different from the Santas I usually collect. His coat is rather formal.

I do with my Dee Gann Santas the same as my other Santas by "adding" things to them. Basically, I love Dee's faces. All of her Santas (and other figures) have such great expressions. So, adding a few more vintage trinkets and toys doesn't take away from her work...it just makes him more special to me.

Christmas to Countdown: 11 Days Next Year I'll Have to Start A LOT Earlier

I found the lovely blog, Always Robin's Egg Blue while looking up images of Dee Gann Santas.

Always Robin's Egg Blue

Always Robin's Egg Blue

As I looked through the blogs she followed, I found 52 Flea this charming post about Paula's Christmas Cottage

I'm starting to think that I'm not going to pull my own home together before Christmas.

Countdown to Christmas: 13 Days Santa's Little Helpers...American Horror Story "Coven" the Holiday SpecialS

Who knew?

I decided to catch up on the season of American Horror Story "Coven" that I refused to watch on television because I am sick of commercials.

Did you get that TV executives! SICK of them!

I'm a bit spoiled to Netflix and I am pretty sure I can no longer follow a weekly show because I would probably forget most of what happened the week before and be like "HUH?" especially with the complexities of this show.

The American Horror Story series are not only wonderfully written with outrageously developed characters who are superbly portrayed by amazing talent...the cinematography is spot on! It is so visually appealing (or unappealing) that I find it very difficult to decorate for visual "happenings" taking place. In fact, I had to turn OFF the TV so I could blog. I don't want to miss a frame!

But is is the appropriate source of entertainment one should indulge in while decorating the house for Christmas?

Probably not!

But, I just love it!

So, KUDOS to my favorite ladies: Kathy Bages, Jessica Lang, and Angela Bassett! You did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life.

I'd hate to offend theses lovely ladies by saying they are perfect for these roles but Damn, guurrrllzzz! you are all so incredibly skilled at your "craft" (just trying to be punny) and I am really enjoying this series.