Xmas surprise

We are a bit late in getting the tree up, though we managed to do so Sunday morning.  It seems that every year there is another box of ornaments to bring up.  We probably really do need to do some rationalization, if not actually tossing some old, broken bulbs, then reducing the number of boxes they are stored in.

It did take a while to rouse my daughter and get her in the proper mood, but that came in time.

In any case, one of the boxes I picked up actually was full of dishes, including quite a few pots that my father had thrown.  (Because they are supposed to be functional, it doesn't feel right just putting them on a mantle for display, for instance.)  I figured out a place for two of them and took another one to work.  It will be a challenge when the others turn up at some point in the New Year...

Anyway, by noon, we had the tree up and the fireplace appropriately decorated.

Hopefully, this will be a somewhat restful holiday season.  I certainly don't need any further dreadful news...