the office holiday pole decorating contest

Yep, you read that right. In our office this year, we held our second annual Holiday Pole Decorating Contest. We work in a retrofitted 1960's office building (very mid-century). The cubes and office walls have been moved here and there over the decades. The most recent remodel about six years ago left ugly black structural poles exposed and sitting in the middle of the aisles.

Last Christmas the whole floor (I.T. team) had a pole decorating contest. I covered mine in Post-its.

christmas lights mid-century modern style

I think if I had to pick my absolutely favorite thing about Christmas decorations, I would have to pick the lights. Christmas lights on homes are just so darn pleasant.

But in Southern California (and I assume Florida and Hawaii), light wrapped palm trees kick off the holiday decorating season and are particularly awe inspiring.

mid-century minimalist christmas decorations

Last weekend was our gitter done weekend for house decorations and other important Christmas tasks (I warmed up a bit the previous week). I finally banged out the Christmas cards and got them mailed.

I love the Christmas card tradition. I enjoy and appreciate every single card we receive. So I send a fair amount. Then, as my reward, Albert brought in the tree and the boxes of Christmas decorations.

christmas begins in corona del mar, california

Since I began blogging, I read a lot of home blogs. Around this time of year, the "shelter" bloggers break out their Christmas posts. Immediately after Thanksgiving, there is post after post of beautiful Christmas homes. It seems like they snap their fingers and voila! It's Christmas.

I have to ease into it and I can't be the only one. (Yes, we really do have a dolphin door knocker. It came with the house.)

retro ornament christmas wreath: by georgia peachez

In the spirit of Superstorm Sandy, we are skipping Halloween and plunging straight into Christmas. Well, actually it was my mom's birthday last week (what, you didn't get October 24th off?) and I gave her the BEST GIFT EVER.

Best. Gift. Ever.

A big jumbley pile of old Christmas ornaments? Come on, seriously?