Tradition...

It has become my tradition over the past 5 years to hang

the annual Christmas Chandelier.

Several reasons:

We don't have room for a tree.

I don't want to cut one down.

I don't like artificial ones.

Something different.

It all started in the summer one year when I wired up some

little fairy lights for a summer party.

Around December I found it hanging in the barn and thought 

"this would be fun to put decorations on..."

And hence the tradition was born...

This year I added an extra tier and stabilized it all with

some grape vines from the garden.

It gives a lovely glow above the table and all the 

decorations are really visible...

This one is at least 50 years old.

It used to be a tree topper in Toms house.

Now this beautiful mercury glass piece hangs in the centre

of the chandelier, upside down but still so lovely!...

This one my daughter brought back from Brussels one year...

Some old, some new, many handmade and all of them 

have a memory within...

Some traditions are born out of a simple idea.

I suppose we want these at certain times of the year.

Bringing the light into the house to brighten the dark days

reminds us that these days are short, more time is 

spent living indoors and reflecting on people, past and present

who we love and miss, and traditions old and new to as the old saying goes...

"keep the spirit bright".

I leave for Toronto in a few days and probably won't 

have time for posting for a while.

May you all enjoy these days of light and sparkle and have

the most wonderful time with your family and friends.

Blessings and much love and light to you all.

 p.s
through blogging I have met a friend who will be coming
with her husband from Santa Fe New Mexico to house sit.
How fantastic is that?!
They miss the rain and cold seasons and love it in B.C so this
gives them the chance to stay somewhere and explore the area at their leisure.
I just checked her blog of their progress (they should arrive tomorrow)
and you have to look at these beautiful snowy landscapes that
they're traveling through...see you soon Carol and Tom!
http://stoneangel-stoneangel.blogspot.ca/2012/12/driving-to-victoria-days-1-2.html?showComment=1355756110401#c3804707281822426907