In case you can't tell from the dark picture I took, this is our advent calendar for this year. Direct from Munich! Thanks to our friends Sonja and Pete, we're enjoying German goodies every day from these cute little stockings.

Today we played the Elvis Christmas album and put up our tree. Because space is at a premium here, we decided to use our little artificial tree that I got last year in Germany. It's tucked away in the corner of the "dining room" (not an actual room), decorated with our German ornaments and a few of our old favorites. It looks festive! See below for pictures.

In other news, I've decided to participate in Holidailies again this year. That means I'll be trying my best to update Raspberry World every day between December 7 and January 6. I know, I know. You'll believe it when you see it. Last year I think I managed to update 14 times during Holidailies, which was actually pretty good (for me). So I'll at least try to beat my own performance from 2003. It starts on Tuesday.


Click on pictures to enlarge.

1. Unpacking that tree like I'm a pro. Actually, this is only the second time in my life that I've used a fake tree. Real ones are still my favorite, when space allows.
2. After several trips up to the attic, the tree is decorated.
3. This picture captures the Gemütlichkeit a little better.
4. After all the excitement is over, Ziggy lends a paw with today's crossword puzzle.