While Christmas songs are coming at us from every shop we walk into, my mind was playing this song by Simon and Garfunkel...Slow down you move to fast ♪....you gotta make the morning last...♪♪. 
As we were walking into our local garden nursery and provisions store my eye caught these little elvin creatures basking in the afternoon sun. 
It wasn't just that this little garden scene was so adorable and spoke to my sense of whimsy and imagination...it was the details. The sleeping elf with his candy cane tucked by his side. So just when you think that these guys should be wrapping and packing Santa's bags for his up-coming ride, you see that they are having a rest in the middle of the day...Maybe Santa's elves have Sundays off!?
Back at home, all of the little bits and bobs are appearing, some are finding new homes and some things that I put out every year are taking this holiday season off.
The trees are up, this one being the natural recently cut down and smelling so fresh and piney one. It is filled with ornaments, some from stores that haven't existed for years and some were gifted to us. Do you remember buying ornaments at Woolworths?
As I was removing each one from the container I would think to myself...this little airplane came from The Sandbox, a much loved little store in town and gone now for many years. The character ornaments were always favorites not only of mine but of course our kids... 
We have a set of Sesame St. Muppets, The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland....and then there are the fairies...vintage fairies and newer fairies...fairies that were gifts and fairies that were found at half price after Christmas sales.
There have been years when I decorated entire trees with just fairies...this year they are being mingled with other ornaments. Last, there is a newer themed tree that tickles my funny bone... 
it is a gumdrop tree laden with ornaments that are reminiscent of an old-time candy store. Seeming perhaps a little other worldly here by the photo of it captured in the mirror.
I hope that you are taking time to slow down and catch glimpses of all the enchanting and delightful decorations, because everywhere you look there are lights a-twinkling!
This post is being linked to Little Red House for Mosaic Monday, Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday and Smiling Sally for Blue Monday.
♥, Susan
Do you remember when you could get penny candy? I loved taking my dime into the stone candy store by school and picking out my ten pieces!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula-Pruitt | December 11, 2011 at 04:55 PM
I love your tree and ornaments. The gumdrops and fairies are really cute. Maybe the elfs found a way to relieve the stress of getting ready for Christmas. Wonderful post and photos, have a great week!
Posted by: Eileen | December 11, 2011 at 05:31 PM
Fun to see your Christmas cheer, and a good reminder from Simon and Garfunkle. We want to enjoy these days and not rush through them but it's easier said than done!
Posted by: dotsie (aka podso) | December 11, 2011 at 05:36 PM
I love Santa and Mrs Claus kissing...seems like the sweet Christmas of years past! You tree is beautiful! It's such a fun time to blog! Happy holidays! ♥
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | December 11, 2011 at 05:37 PM
I've always loved the twinkling lights in December! I'll start my Christmas preparations this week now that I'm back from North Carolina. Have a great week Susan!
Posted by: ellen b | December 11, 2011 at 05:39 PM
Looks like everything is put in order now. I love your ornaments!
My Pearls
Posted by: Kim,USA | December 11, 2011 at 05:41 PM
I think the elf and his candy cane would be right at home with me! Too cute. Lovely tree! Happy Monday!
Posted by: Snap | December 11, 2011 at 05:45 PM
Hello Susan!
Look at those beautiful mosaics! All lovely! You've been busy and it looks so festive :)
Posted by: ldh | December 11, 2011 at 05:46 PM
Indeed...slow down! Such a good idea!!!! Beautiful tree!
Posted by: Cathy | December 11, 2011 at 05:46 PM
Lot of great memories there. Lovely. V
Posted by: Valerie | December 11, 2011 at 05:57 PM
You have so many whimsical ornaments and I would love to see a photo of the tree done entirely with fairies.
Judith
Posted by: Lavender Cottage | December 11, 2011 at 06:15 PM
It's always a treat to take out ornaments that bring back pleasant memories, Susan. Thanks for your visit! ❄
Posted by: My Little Home and Garden | December 11, 2011 at 07:12 PM
Sweet and full of whimsy! Thank you.
Audrey
Posted by: Audrey | December 11, 2011 at 07:42 PM
Your trees look absolutely beautiful, Susan! I have so many ornaments I can never use them all, but I still seem to buy more every year :)
I also loved the eggnog recipe in your prior post...I always look forward to a cup on Christmas Eve.
Posted by: Pat | December 11, 2011 at 08:12 PM
I love your ornaments, especially the fairies. Beautiful trees!
Posted by: Carol @There's Always Thyme to Cook | December 12, 2011 at 02:28 AM
Beautiful Christmas decoration! The tree looks fantastic!
Posted by: Wandering Thought | December 12, 2011 at 02:38 AM
hi Susan, Love all the gorgeous decorations. The trees are beautiful. I love the gumdrop tree. I have a pic of my momma making a mini cone tree using gumdrops. Sweet memories. Lovely post.
Enjoy your week.
~Emily
The French Hutch
Posted by: Emily | December 12, 2011 at 05:54 AM
I have always loved those blue ornaments.
Happy Blue Monday, Susan.
Posted by: Sally | December 12, 2011 at 06:06 AM
Wow, you have several trees? They all look so beautiful. Love your ornaments too.
Merry Christmas
Posted by: Riet | December 12, 2011 at 07:08 AM
Your trees are beautiful! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Julie | December 12, 2011 at 07:24 AM
thankyou for all the delightful Christmas images - and the reminder to "slow down" - especially at this time of year.
Thank you for stopping by my blog to say hi - have a wonderful week - a lovely Christmas - and take care.
Posted by: Jill Harrison | December 12, 2011 at 03:42 PM
Oh, I love the idea of a fairy tree! I'll have to watch out for them so I can add a few to my tree -- my granddaughter would love it!
Posted by: Sarah ~ Magnolia Surprise | December 12, 2011 at 10:29 PM
What a sweet post and yes, I too have many adornments that I remember where they came from, like years ago were but yesterday~
Posted by: Mary Howell Cromer | December 13, 2011 at 02:20 AM
Feeling Groovy. I'll be singing it to myself all day now. I'm a big fan of Simon and Garfunkel.
Your trees all look so pretty. You've been creating magic.
I hope to see you for Pink Saturday.
Posted by: | December 13, 2011 at 09:54 AM
That's a good reminder - now we'll all have that song in our heads!
Posted by: Pondside | December 14, 2011 at 08:29 AM
Hooray Simon and Garfunkel!
The trees look lovely, mommy.
I love it!
See you soooon! <3!
Posted by: Jenna | December 16, 2011 at 07:01 PM
Slow is certainly the operative word around here so the song is most appropriate. I think holidays should be on old-fashioned time. Very slow and pokey. So appreciate you dropping by from Met Monday. Your decorations are spectacular. Gumdrops indeed! Happy holidays. Jane
Posted by: Jane F @ Atticmag | December 17, 2011 at 03:24 PM