A New Holiday Look and A New Silver Addition

Reinventing Christmas Cheer

Last weekend, we brought up most of the Christmas decorations from the basement .. Knowing the next few weekends would be swallowed up by prior commitments. It felt good to get a head start, but there’s one holiday tradition we’re reimagining this year .. Our towering 14.5-foot Christmas tree.

For years, this grand centerpiece stood proudly in our front foyer .. But due to irreparable light failure, it’s sitting out this season. Not all was lost, though. I managed to salvage the 7-foot top section of the tree, which now stands next to the inside of the front door, offering a cozy, scaled-down version of its former glory.

Where the original tree once stood .. We’ve crafted a fresh display: three smaller trees, each in a single color theme .. Red, white, and green. Nestled among them are three colored glass gift decorations, lovingly made by a close cousin many years ago. These glowing treasures add a personal touch, shining like little reminders of family warmth during the holidays.

The final touch we’re debating .. Is whether to include our life-sized Santa. He’s a hefty presence and feels like a statement piece .. But not everyone is a fan. Our newest family member, Mr. Huxley, has strong (and vocal!) opinions. The decorations have been a source of growling and barking fits for days, but today might mark a turning point. Huxley seems to be waving a little white flag, opting to ignore the festive chaos instead of challenging it.

While it’s bittersweet to let go of our beloved giant tree .. This new arrangement feels like a refreshing twist .. traditional yet unique, warm yet unexpected. It’s a reminder that sometimes, holiday magic lies in the creativity we bring to what we already have.

As for Santa? Well, Huxley’s vote is clear, but the jury’s still out.

New Silver Addition

The silver Peace Dollar collection continues to grow! My latest acquisition, a 1927-S coin, arrived just a few days ago, and I couldn’t be more pleased with it. Like the others in my collection, this one is lightly circulated but still in excellent condition. The strike is crisp, the wear minimal, and it has just enough character to tell its story.

I’ve never sought out mint state coins for this collection .. Rather my goal is simply to enjoy the process of completing it. A few light scratches or signs of wear only add to the charm, in my opinion. This piece even features a touch of toning around the edges of the obverse side, giving it that subtle golden hue that some collectors often admire.

As always, Huxley was right there for the action. While I was photographing the coin by the window, he decided to lend a paw .. Or rather, a nose. The setup included a sentimental favorite: an old Santa decoration gifted by a close friend who has since passed away. Each year, we bring Santa out for display next to a small decorative tree, and it always sparks fond memories of our friend.

Huxley, ever the curious observer .. Sniffed the Santa before turning his attention to the Peace Dollar. I set him on the table for a quick pose, and for a fleeting moment, he held still—long enough for me to snap a shot. Then he leaned in, giving the silver coin an inquisitive sniff, as if offering his approval for its place in the collection.

This coin isn’t just another addition to my set; it’s part of a story. From its light wear to the memories it now shares with Huxley and our cherished Santa, it’s a perfect reminder that collecting isn’t just about the objects themselves—it’s about the moments they create along the way.

Thank you for swinging by my blog and checking out the post. Have a great day!

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