Most of the outside lights go up, including the flood light lit manger, for the neighbors who walk and go to work. Inside, live tree from Krone's tree farm where the cut the tree you pick with a chain saw. Seems a bit too modern, but Bomke's where you cut the tree with a hand saw "closed for the season due to covid and limited selection." I just trimmed and cleaned 9 oil lights used for ambiance and light in case of power outage. In the Land of Lincoln we occasionally need to read as he did by the light of a fire. Wood ready to for wood burning fire place. Inside also starts with the manger, angels, PEACE blocks and a few other decs. With only the slight chance of 2 adult kids visiting, the 20 cloth, handcrafted elves will shelter in place...safely waiting for the 4th grandchild promised us on May Day. Candles, both wax n wick and battery lit, provide the needed atmosphere to craft gifts, wrap and write Christmas cards.
While we are all grieving the limits imposed on us by this horrible pandemic, we are trying to focus on the gift of the Baby Jesus, the Peace we pray for every year, and the Hope the new year will bring. Whether together or apart, there is still love and hope amongst our family, friends and neighbors.
Thank you Julienm1 for starting this thread. Have a safe holiday season to all my quilting friends.
pat