DO I HAVE TO?

I am seeing so many bloggers post about getting signs of Christmas into their homes.  They are calling it early decorating.

I look around at my house and think,

DO I HAVE TO?

I love seeing all the comforting colors of Fall that make me happy and I don't want to let go.  Yet!

On these pleasant early November afternoons, Dick and I so enjoy sitting out on the back porch with these touches of ambiance.  I know we could enjoy it with red candles and a Christmasy cloth on the table.  But, for some reason it doesn't seem like it would be as warm and inviting.

I love this little vignette on my kitchen counter, 

and the apple spice fragrance coming from this lovely arrangement on my table.

I love walking by this side table and seeing all the mingled colors of fall in the glistening glass.

In the evenings, we so enjoy seeing the glow from inside this large pumpkin in the living room.  It also casts the warmest glow through the glass front door out into the street.  To me it says, "we are cozy and warm inside this house."

I just don't want to let go of these gorgeous rich colors yet.

I especially am not ready to let go of my beloved clothes that say "I love Fall!"

So, when I think of climbing up the attic stairs to bring down the few items we use for decorating the house while we are gone most of the month of December, I want to shout,

DO I HAVE TO?

What is wrong with leaving out all these things that make me happy until I decide it's time to move on?

After all, it's my house.  Right?

Now, that I have that off my chest, I may get past Thanksgiving, and my ailing hand has had time to heal some more, and decide it's time.

I will keep you posted.  But in the meantime, I will continue to enjoy all the Christmas touches you bloggers are adding to your lovely homes without the least bit of envy.

Who knows, I may get some much needed inspiration.