Holiday prep

[washman]

I've been feeling restless lately, dreading the trip I have to take this Sat to finalize dad's house, close bank stuff, etc. Having said that, I managed a couple of pick-me-ups to occupy my brain and time. And due to the upcoming holiday rush where stuff sells out faster than a SQ can drain, I figured I better start early.

First, I finally scored the blow mold Noel candles of days gone by. They are now made by American Foam Plastics and...........PUKE..........due to outrageous shipping costs, I ordered them from sprawlmart.com Shipping was free.

These are the ones that take a basic 60w bulb only difference is now the plugs are safety fused. American sales has a ton of these things for sale. Only caveat is the shipping is crazy. I'd get more stuff but I lack the place to store it in the offseason.

I also got some light bulbs from a clean up job that a co-worker runs on the side. Some of these are USA made GE others are no name but they all work and they are C-9 which I need.

I also stocked up on some spares at from Trader Horn and Lowes. Crazy thing is, I cannot find white or yellow bulbs so I will have to order some online.

Finally, I have 2 little Christmas stake signs to put out. One is from Dollah General, the other at......ahem.....you know the place.

I also picked up a photocell timer to turn the lights off after a 2 4 or 8 hour run. It has a setting on a dusk (which is 6 PM now)and I can run them for 2 4 or 8 hours or all night. That should cut down on the light bill. As I did last year, I'll have 3 sets of C-9 on the gutters. Plus the 2 Noel Candles.

It goes without saying, this holiday season will be very hard on me. For the first time in my life, I will have nowhere to go for Christmas. I'll put out the ceramic tree for sure (Vermont Country Store) but there really won't be much holiday spirit. I have to work 9-1 on Christmas eve anyway; originally I had planned to spend time in FL with dad.

In all reality, the Christmas spirit faded when mom died 10 years ago. I struggled to keep it going, but Dad never really was into it. Looking back, I think he went along just to please me. If he had his way, he'd probably have done nothing at all.

So I'll muddle along as best I can. My heart really isn't in it but I will try anyway.

 

[lordkenmore]

Thanks for sharing pictures of the decorations!

Yes, this year will probably be hard for you. Best wishes for you getting through OK.

I'm in a somewhat similar position. My mother died a long time ago. My father is still around, but he A) has little enthusiasm for holidays, and B) his holiday focus is 100% on his current family. Frankly, holidays for me now are more about just surviving December.

I may decorate a bit. I might or might not do a tree. I might at least try to remember to turn on the ceramic light up tree a few times. We'll see.

 

[turquoisedude]

It will get easier as time goes on, I'm sure.  Doing even a little decorating will be a distraction for you, though.  

 

And great score with the old GE bulbs from your co-worker.  Those 'swirl' bulbs are actually painted on the inside and big favourite of mine - congratulations!

 

[jmm63]

I do not envy you in the task you have ahead. Good luck with taking care of your fathers affairs, it's a tough  emotional time.

 

The candles have always been one of my old time decorations.  I'm glad they still make them. You can always find some vintage ones on Ebay.  Some can be pricey but sometimes you can pick up a pair for about $25 plus shipping.  I like the style of the older ones best.

 

Here's a pic of mine.  I remember buying them with my Mom in 1977 along with the Snowman and Santa.  (Santa is still in the rafters in my mom's garage and will be coming to NJ next time I drive to Michigan instead of flying)

 

[vacerator]

I Like

all white Christmas lights, or blue with white. Looks like stars, not all commercially.

 

[circlew]

I like your candles; one of my neighbors had ones just like them on her porch for many years until about 5 years ago. She now has some small tree things to the sides of the door during the holidays. When I was little, we had a couple candles by the front door, but they were so old they were made of cardboard, and finally wore out.

I want the large plastic snowman made by General Foam, but can't find it in stock anywhere nearby. I think it's the best version of a snowman I've ever seen. They have it at American Sale Co. in Chicago, so may have my sister and her husband pick one up when they go to Racine, WI to see my nephew. My neighbors across the street had one like it for a long time - it came from Sears.

http://www.americansale.com/Products/46-Snowman-With-Wreath-Blow-Mold-Christmas-Decoration__362726.aspx

 

[washman]

Clarification

General Foam Plastics, Tarboro NC not American foam

American Sales has these but the shipping was crazy.

 

[circlew]

Yeah Washman, you're right about the shipping cost. I could nearly drive to Chicago for what they want to ship it. I did drive to Menard's in Ft. Wayne, IN (364 miles round trip) last year to pick up a General Foam reindeer to give to one of my friends for Christmas. He needed an additional one to go with his Santa & Sleigh.