Happy Winter Solstice!

Today is the winter solstice and the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It's all due to Earth's tilt, which ensures that the shortest day of every year falls around December 21.

Many consider this event as a recognition of rebirth and involves festivals, gatherings, rituals and other celebrations including being part of Yule and Christmas. Thus, Yuletide Season!

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/12/091221-winter-solstice-2009-first-day-winter-shortest-day-year.html

Close...Open...The Townhouse Creche

Part of my classic Christmas decor collection. The person who was with me when I purchased this creche 23 years ago told me that this will be a reminder of the townhouse I will have in the future. She was right!

Christmas Still Life by Mark Solomon

This is my small collection of Christmas trimmings I have used every year for the past 23 years of celebrating Christmas in New York. Well, in truth, I spent 2 years - 2005 and 2006 in Dubai, so that only makes it 21.

The mittens and socks are handmade in Peru and the partridge is from Barney's. I guess because of their age, you may consider them vintage and yet, they never go out of style, so then again, you can call them a classic.

I am very pleased with the well-thought out arrangement by my Habib of these special Christmas trimmings of mine.