The history of the piñata in the video from yesterday was new to me. He said that the piñata was a representation of sin, looking all pretty and fancy, and that the seven points represented the seven deadly sins. We are blindfolded when trying to hit the piñata to break it, because we have to rely on faith, and when it is finally broken, we are rewarded. Pretty neat! Those were some clever friars way back... whenever.A really interesting video about the history of Las Posadas and Piñatas, in clear but quick Spanish. Tomorrow I'll explain in English.
I can't figure out how to capture the loveliness of the pink tree on film. I took these after dark, hoping to show you how it glows sweetly at night, but it looks more purple here. 
This L is from one of my very favorite students ever, who gave it to Anna when she was born. Sweet Chris. :)
Katrina has given us many of the coolest ornaments on our tree, like this drum, which I took 5 pictures of, all blurry. Also a high hat on a stand that really works! Katrina's the best. :)
This football is from a "grown up" friend for our graduation from K-State. Donna and I share a great love for KSU football. This ornament reminds me of our young marrieds small group, and what a neat time that was.
I got this pretty one this summer at the Saturday Market in Eugene. I look at him and think about shopping with Katrina and Chelsea, and the beach, and hiking, and talking, and friends.
This little crab is from the trip we took to Baltimore when Anna was 6 months old, for the Foreign Language teachers convention. I think of the aquarium, and the Thanksgiving Parade on Anna's 6 month birthday, and Anna and Matthew exploring the town together. 
Like this guy, who makes me laugh every year. Where did he come from? When and where was he appropriate?
Or this, my very first Flamingo ornament. Now I have lots, given to me over the years, but this first flamingo, he's special. I remember finding him and thinking. A flamingo for the Christmas Tree, found at Goodwill? What could be more perfect?
I got a whole box of these Straw ornaments from Czechoslovakia, and gave most of them away, but I kept one for myself. 
And this is a Hallmark Keepsake ornament that I found brand new in the box. It has the year we moved into the house and everything (see the 2004 at the bottom of the door). I think I found it two years ago. It was very exciting. Can you guess what's next?
Wheat ornament made by my Grandma Anna 
Stocking made by Linda
Pinecone made by Abby, age 4?
I think there are lots of neat things you could do with these.
But aren't they pretty and oh so cute?
Last year we got a little teeny live Christmas Tree, and then in the Spring we planted him outside. I thought, since he's a Christmas Tree, he ought to be decorated. We used twist ties to attach everything, we'll see how long it lasts.
Grammy Joan also found me a little cloth Christmas book kit. I would never buy a kit from Wal-mart, but as a gift, especially from a thrift store, I find these projects to be super fun.
