JANUARY 1ST, 2022
PHOTOS By JOHN LILIES & LANA CARBON
[Lana] While we aren’t 100% back to normal due to the global pandemic, one of the best things about the holidays for us this year, was the fact that we were able to decorate our new apartment the way we wanted. This included Christmassing up our holiday corner with some newly purchased pieces and even more homemade ornaments than we previously had.
Not all the new decorations were purchased or made (at least by us). John received an amazing gift from a dear friend… a doll knit in John’s image (she’s even beige!). Now, if you know us, you know that John struggles with dolls but those are talking dolls and porcelain dolls, etc. This kind of doll is right up John’s alley and she has been beaming since receiving it. It has been placed with Christmoose in our holiday corner (a place of the highest honour). It will remain a feature there for every day throughout the year.
I also received a special addition to our ever-growing collection of holiday fun. Since we had purchased ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to read annually, I thought I would enhance our yearly festive experience with a book of Krampus Carols. We are not the best singers so I thought it would be quite appropriate.
[John] Not the best singers, eh? That implies we have an iota of singing ability. We sound like dying rats when we sing. Be honest.
[Lana] I think “dying rats” is a bit excessive. Minorly injured, maybe. But, no death. (No rats were harmed in the writing of this article.)
[John] If the rats know we are comparing our singing to their death or injured screeches, their feelings may be harmed. Just sayin’.
[Lana] Both John and I were even able to get a little creative this year…John especially. We both picked up a piece of lighted porcelain figures from Michael’s, which we painted. I took on the truck and John did the snowperson. John also created a wonderful wreath and decorated a delightful train and train station.
[John] We both did the train station. You demolished it entirely on your own, though.
[Lana] And it was damn good, too.
Christmas isn’t the only holiday we decorate for, however. Even though we don’t celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, or any of the other numerous holidays, we do give a nod to the darker Krampusnacht. These few ornaments show our appreciation for the “Christmas Devil”.
If it were up to me, our apartment would be consistently filled with holiday decor, no matter the season. The problem with that is (other than space, of course) we can’t afford to purchase every cool-looking decoration and ornament. That doesn’t stop me from browsing while we are out at the stores, however, and taking pictures of some of the items that speak to me.
[John] Dude. You know the talking things are not okay. Do you never pay attention to the movies we watch? DO YOU NOT REMEMBER MY TRAUMA FROM THE DOLLS?
[Lana] That only makes them more interesting.
[John] Later… you are so going to regret those words later. I can feel it. When they come for you though, you’re totally on your own.
[Lana] It isn’t just the interior that needs decorating though, and since we can’t decorate the outside of our place, we figured that we would drive around different neighbourhoods to see what we could find. Surprisingly, even though we now live in a smaller city, there were quite a few more houses decorated than we thought there were going to be. We took a few pictures of the festive homes in our new community (as well as a few of the surrounding ones). *Disclaimer - Some of these photos may be a bit blurry as they were taken while we were driving.
John even managed to get a bit of video at one of the houses, which had been set up to take donations for the local hospital. We felt it was a wonderful way to interact with and support the community all while showing their festive spirit. To me, that is the Spirit of Christmas.
[John] Cue the Santa Magics.
[Lana] Finally, these last few pictures are a collection of snapshots I felt the need to add. Some random animals and the man in red close out our photos from this holiday season. We hope you had a happy/merry time, no matter which holiday (if any) you choose to partake in. Thank you for being part of our Carbon Lilies family and celebrating with us.
