Lucas set up our Christmas tree yesterday.    Then he, Daniel and a neighbor kid decorated it.  It was done in a flash, and I didn't lift a finger.    
I can recall the same thing happened last year.  

And there begins a new holiday tradition.  :)

I picked through the three remaining plastic tubs that contain our Christmas 'decorations'.   And I was reminded that 'yes', I had cleaned out the clutter of Christmas knick knacks sometime after Thayer died.   Christmas changed for me that year.    And I became a minimalist.

I can remember years past... when I would have to remove pictures and items from rooms, in order to put out all of the Christmas 'stuff'.     This year I put a candle in the kitchen, a reindeer by the fireplace, a few other items.... and I was done.
That was easy.
I think, somehow, we have fewer items than last year.

I was surprised, early on, to discover a new Christmas shower curtain that Sabrina gave me last year.  I dig it.  It doesn't collect dust or clutter things up.  So I was thrilled to have  reason to clean my bathroom and hang it.

All of that to say... Christmas has arrived at our house. 
It's not showy.  But I like it.