My main Christmas decorations

I'll start with this candle that my niece & nephew gave to my Mom at least 20 years ago.
It's the coolest candle and I hope it never gets lit. How they (whoever made it) carved, twirled and colored it still baffles me!

mom's candle ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

I use it as the kitchen table centerpiece. I just use the same old fruit bowl and add some plastic flowers. And along with all the usual stuff that always there (plus my mom's Christmas tablecloth and a few other decorations here and there) that's the kitchen all decorated.

centerpiece ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

Around 20 years or so ago when I bought my home in New Mexico, I struggled to find a manger scene that I liked. So, I took on the task to make my own. First, I found the figurines and then the fun really began! And for those who thought it wasn't hand-made, all they had to do was look at the handywork and the scrap materials.
Here's the base and frame.

manger base ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

And the roof. Yes, that's the original duct tape and light bulb!

manger roof ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

And here it is when assembled.

manger assembled ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

On the left side are the camels with a stack of firewood.

left side ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

On the right is the donkey/mule/ass (he doesn't match the others, but one day I'll find the right one). The sheep are almost the same size as the camels! Oh well... hopefully perspective makes up for this.

right side ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

Here's the nativity figurines inside.

manger - inside ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

And, yes, the light still works. That crystal is supposed to represent the shining star.

manger lit up ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

Next up is the “main” tree decorations. It started a few years ago when I found some little personalized candy canes. I had me & Hubby's on our little tree. Last year, I started on a mission to get some for my entire immediate family. I found about half of our names...but since some of our names are not that common, I enlisted the help of my big sis. She found some ornaments that had a space to write-in the name of choice ( and they had candy canes to match!) Aren't big sisters grand! So now we have a special Family (Christmas) Tree!
My niece & nephew, who do not have children, have been told... “If/when you have kids and you decide on their names... you'd better be able to come up with their Christmas ornament!”

family ornaments ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

So after all the “names” are in place, I put on other little ornaments to fill it all in.

last of all... control central! Last year, my brother knocked down the tree while trying to plug the lights in. So this year, I'm trying to “dragon-proof” it!
I have this computer accessory power panel that wasn't being used. The tree, nativity scene, and garland lights are all plugged into it (see the switches next to the book case?)
Now it should be easy to turn on/off without doing any damage!

control center ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )

And the finale. There's a few other decorations scattered about, but to me, this is “it”.

decorations complete ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )