Christmas Past

In the first few years of our relationship, Tony and I experienced Christmas decorations vicariously through our families.  Since we were in college at the time (and predominantly stuck in cramped dorm rooms), we really didn't do too much of our own holiday preparations.  We would look forward to the trip home from Ithaca to Albion, NY, where we would enjoy brightly-lit trees at our parents' homes and time off from school.

It wasn't until we moved into our first home in Buffalo that we set up our own full-sized tree.

We didn't need to buy many ornaments, as both of us already had collected quite a few over the years.

Some were gifts from family friends and relatives.  Others were homemade (including our ELEMENTARY SCHOOL creations).  Tony in particular brought several ornaments that reminded me of childhood... including a matching Ninja Turtle stocking and ball ornament

And, it was a time in our relationship when we realized a very important lesson.  When you marry someone, you have to accept all of them...

...even their creepy ornaments.

Most of my ornaments are beautiful.  One of my family friends, Mrs. Baker (aka Grandma Sue), gave my sisters and I each an ornament at Christmas time every year of our childhood.  It brings back wonderful memories of opening my special ornament during my parents' annual Christmas party.  And, I love seeing them year after year.

But, there are a select few in the bunch that some people (ie: Tony) would be happier without.

More specifically, they include...

... see-through Santa (not to be confused with Naked Santa)...

... Huge Cat Face...

...and Mutant Christmas Tree.

As we finish up our Christmas decorating for 2012, we look forward to seeing our old favorites (even the creepers) and adding a few new ornaments to the collection.  And, we have compromised on the less appealing ornaments... they will help fill in the back.