Nary a Decoration in Sight

As I was making my way down (the) King's Road last week, popping in to stores like Heal's and Habitat, it occurred to me that I haven't put out even one single holiday decoration. No lights, no trees, no red and green, no deer, no poinsettias, nothing. How's that for Christmas cheer? I got none I guess. I suppose it has to do with the fact that we are going home for Christmas, the first time since moving here, and I didn't feel like putting decorations out when we won't be here to enjoy them. We have never gotten a tree here either, due to the fact that the last three years we took a trip right before Christmas. So truthfully I have never really shown much Christmas spirit while living in London. Normally I at least get a wreath or put up lights, but this year? Nothin'.

It's a family tradition that everyone has a handmade stocking. Because I am such a dork - and because it's such a nice family tradition - I made stockings for Dave and Riley. Yes, Riley has her own stocking. And trust me, it does get filled every year. Not even THESE are hanging from the mantel as they should be. So sad. Here's a picture of Riley from last Christmas, checking out the goods:

And here are our stockings from 2009, at our old place. We couldn't hang them from the mantel so they hung from the coffee table with care.

Before our trip I made sure to walk in the 'hood checking out all the Christmas lights and decorations. I like how all the different shopping streets have a unique lights display. And on Saturday we encountered Santacon and saw all sorts of Santas, elves, reindeer and the like out and about in the Sloane Square area. Last year we saw them too, while sitting at Chipotle. We were eating our tacos or whatever and watched as Santa after Santa came strolling up Charing Cross. This weekend we watched them walk down King's Road and take over the Duke of York market. Riley liked it.

As far as our London Christmas cheer, it's pretty much over since we leave tomorrow. We get back to London on Boxing Day, so the decorations will still be up but will slowly be taken down in the days that follow. Luckily, since we're going back to SF for Christmas we'll get all sorts of US and Bay Area cheer, not to mention all the cheer my Mom provides each year. Which is why I have been so lacking in my own cheer. I know that as soon as we walk in my parents' house and see the tree and the ornaments and the Christmas accoutrement I'll be in cheer overload, just the way it should be!