I start putting it up the day after Thanksgiving - and I'd like to take it down the day after Christmas - but my husband makes me wait until New Year's Eve - and it gets done that day.

Georgia - yes give it the ole college try and get those lights up and blinking - we are all waiting to see

             get the cider going or the eggnog!!!  you will feel better - honestly!!!  I am going to put mine up next week when I am off and have the time.  Otherwise it will get crazy after that for me.  My dining room this year is larger and has very tall large windows so I cant wait to put up my very tall and skinny tree with rope lights for all to see as they pass by.  love it.  I also have a very large counter in the kitchen this year so I will be decorating it up a storm too like i did for fall.  i said i was not buying anything new this year but have already bought some great mugs and christmas cannisters from family dollar.  the mugs are 1.00 and the cannisters are 3.00.  great gift ideas- loved them.

I am making instant potato soup to put in the cannisters for the folk at work.

1 1/2 cups instant potato flakes

1 cup powdered coffee creamer or dry milk

1/2 of a 1 oz packet of chicken gravey mix

1 tb dried parsley flakes

2 tb grated Parmesan cheese ( green can)

1 tsp Mrs. Dash or spike salt free seasoning

1/2 tsp dried minced onion, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper

This will make 5 individual soup mixes

Mix all with a whisk. Place 1/2 cup and 1 tb in baggies or small jars.

Empty baggie into soup mug or plain coffee mug - no gold on it. the coffee mug needs to hold 1 1/2 cups of liquid.  Add 1 scant cup of water and stir well.  Microwave on high 1 1/2 min.  Stir.  Cover and let stand 3 min. 

Ok I got carried away and this probably belongs on another post?

Belladonna said:

I usually can't wait to get everything out, right after THanksgiving. However, I am putting less up, as I realized that I also have to put it all away. Yet, I do put PLENTY around…

Bella - I'm glad you're back!

Fowlvisions said:

If I put alot of decorations up then I want to have a party. I just recently moved further out in the country so I want to decorate up big time this year. Maybe I will have a big bonfire party!

If you need “immediate inspiration” - invite people for the party - and then you'll have the decorations up pronto!  I'm always inviting company over before the holidays - it “inspires” (read - scares me) me to get everything done - house cleaned, things decorated, etc. - and then it's all not last minute for me!

Well so much for my decorating this week. I got called to work and will probably have to work tomorrow. Will I ever get it done??? I'll cook something if all yall will come help me!