It's never too soon to think about Christmas

Yes, I mean Christmas 2012. Some of you will run away in shock as I mention this but there is a method to my madness. This is the time to repair any of your ornaments that are in need of it. Paint that boot on the nutcracker that has been chipped for so long, glue the wooden ornament where a piece has fallen off. Glitter some fake fruit so you'll be able to have a bowl of "sugared lemons" a la Martha Stewart next year. Iron all of the ribbons you saved from the packages this year. and hang them in the back of your closet. And get your needlepoint ornaments stitched! The deadline is September 1, if you can believe it. There is simply not enough time in the fall to do these things and most of us have some time on our hands during this chilly time of year.

I, for one, have been taking scrappy looking small trees wrapped in burlap bundles ($3 each) and using small ornaments from my collection transforming them into something beautiful. Some will go to Trees of Hope, the fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House in New Haven that takes place in December each year. Others will go to families from PS 55 in the Bronx at Christmastime. Each year these children send letters to Santa asking for toys. Operation Santa has a good group of volunteers who help with this project. Many children ask for Christmas trees as well as presents and while we can't produce a big one, a simple tabletop tree is a wonderful thing to include in their bag of presents. You have to be a bit of what I call a "dumpster diver" looking through all of the 75% off ornaments, finding bits and pieces for 25 cents or a dollar at most. I was able to find mini garlands and mini tree skirts if you can believe it. And then I settle down with a marathon of NCIS or Law and Order and get to work. Here is one of my creations.

A Confection Tree ready for Trees of Hope 2012. Do you not love the court jester nutcracker?

Everyone has to get rid of their trees, even city folk.

This mouse is all set to adorn the Irish Tree at Trees of Hope 2012

I would also like to reboot 2012. Too many funerals of late, remarks made by me that should not have been made and I've already been sick once. I am going to start over.