Christmas Presents

First of all, I'd like to say that this isn't a competition.  I'm going to show you a few of the presents I got this year, but if you don't see the present you gave me it doesn't mean I didn't love an appreciate it.  A lot of things factor in to what I want to show on here.  Plus, in some instances, I picked out the gift for someone to get for me, so it's my taste you can feel free to question. Also, I'm pretty lazy and only felt like taking a few pictures.  Can't let that ass print fade from my side of the couch! Bottom line: don't be offended.  In fact, let's just always assume that as my bottom line.

Ok, so this first one isn't a gift at all.  I bought it, if you'll recall. This was the first year I got to put it out, so I was just excited about it.  I love my Christmas Tree collection and it was fun to have a tree stand.  We buy our real tree from a tiny mom and pop tree stand every year and I love, love, love it!  It reminds me of this one quite a bit, actually.  And then there is the tree lot scene in A Charlie Brown Christmas.  I love all the pink and blue and striped trees in that scene.

This wasn't technically a Christmas gift, either.  The lady who runs the gym that I attend (Curves!) gave it to me.  She was weeding out her Christmas stash (as we all must do from time to time...or every single year) and thought of me.  This proves two points. 1- This woman (Donna) is a true gem.  No wonder why I like her so much!  She's fun, thoughtful, sweet and funny and totally down to earth. Those sentiments permeate her gym.  Otherwise I'd never go.  On account of I hate exercise.  2- If you talk about things often enough people will give you stuff.  I yammer about my Etsy shop all the time.  I talk about my deep and abiding love for all things Muppets and the 80's.  On several occasions people have gifted me things from their own homes that they would have otherwise donated to a thrift store. People like their things to be loved. It makes them feel good to give their once treasured item to a home where it will be properly appreciated.  Plus, people like to give things to people who love things.  There isn't anything more fun than giving a gift to someone who goes to 11.  The freak out factor is high and pretty entertaining.  Since I loved the shit out of the Smurfs when I was a wee one (So much so that I insisted that my name was IN FACT Handy Smurf and would introduce myself as such on a regular basis.) I'm super happy to add this adorable statue to my trove.

OK, technically this one wasn't a gift either.  Unless you count me buying it for myself.  I'm sorry but that is just what happens while I'm Christmas shopping.  One thing for you...one thing for me.  One thing for you....twelve things for me.  I think this is actually a candle wreath.  It's a little sparkling PLASTIC and GLITTER wreath thing meant to be stuck at the base of a candle.  I don't thank so.  This mother is too gorgeous to risk getting coated in candle wax.  I like wreaths hung over pictures and mirrors so I tried it out in my bedroom and really loved it.  It will be so hard to put this away when I undecorate my room.  That's right.  I'm not done undecorating yet.  It's torture in two ways: 1- It takes an eon.  2- I hate losing all that glitter in one go.  So much sparkle and so much light packed away for another whole year!  Especially when we still have the bulk of a dark, cold winter staring us in the face.

I know.  Isn't it dazzlingly gorgeous?!  This is from my mom.  She said I picked it out, but I don't really remember that happening.  But if it did, I have the best taste, ever!  I mean, look at this purse!  It's  vintage of course, and it still has all of it's original accessories.  The tiny mirror and comb!  It's just so beautiful, I could stare at it all day.

This is an oil painting.  Yes, I have an oil painting of Piggy and Kermit.  It doesn't get classier than an oil painting, folks.  My sister in law painted it for me.  She's astoundingly good.  She posts pictures on Facebook and I'm all, "When did she go to the shore?  When did she have time to visit a lighthouse?" and then I click through the pictures to see that they are paintings, not photographs.  I'd never believe it if she didn't have in-process pictures.  It's nuts.  Girl has talent.  And she's foolishly wasting it on me!  But seriously, let's talk about the part where I have an oil painting of the Muppets again.

This is a gift from my mom that I picked out.  I love koi.  They are just about the only fish that I can stand to get close to without a fork.  I think they are the most beautiful, magical fish.  Maybe I like them because they sort of look like tiny dragons?  I hear some koi are trained so well that they'll let you pet them.  I'd totally do that.  All other fish can take a hike.  There is no other fish one earth that I want touching me while it's living.  Blech.  This ornament is a brand by the name of Old World Christmas.  They are all gorgeous.  They have so, so many different designs.  There were three koi alone to choose from!  They had jellyfish and dogs and blenders and just...everything.  They are all this gorgeous and they all have glitter.

Sometimes someone knows you well enough to get you this for Christmas. Thanks, mom!

...and this guy.  The amount of sqee-ing that went on when I opened him up was off the charts.  A-freaking-dorable.  I can't wait to put him in the shadowbox come fall.  He's about an inch and a half tall. Don't be jealous. The only thing I can think about is...are there more?

So, In Summary:

You're right.  I do have the best taste, ever!