A story: When we first arrived in Hong Kong in 2005, I had elected NOT to bring anything Christmas with me. I thought it would be too much trouble, and besides, our shipping allotment was small and we needed it for more pertinent things. However, when we got back from October conference, Irene and I began talking about Christmas. She was floored when I told her I was not decorating for Christmas--not even a tree! I told her I thought it would be too expensive to start from ground zero! Irene persisted--saying that I would regret it. A few weeks later, Irene and I got a phone call from Sandi Lai--a long time resident of Hong Kong. She knew that we needed to find decorations for the building and asked if we wanted to go to a discount Christmas store--beautiful things for a fraction of the price paid in the states! We said we would love to go. That was all it took. AND it wasn't even a junk store! It had an incredible inventory of wreaths, trees, and every kind of decoration imaginable. Not only did we find beautiful things for the building, but I got excited thinking about how reasonable it would be to decorate a tree! I succumbed, which delighted Irene and now made the task of actually finding a tree to buy a reality! What a marvelous Christmas adventure. From that day, Sandy introduced us to the junk store, and then took us to a wonderful high school Christmas bazaar--all with stellar results! With Irene by my side, we had a great time finding treasures to brighten our homes. And Irene was right. One year later, when the girls came to Hong Kong for Christmas...I was so grateful that our home was decorated--it was a wonderful way to say welcome home! So thanks to Irene, I have felt at home each Christmas we have spent away from home! So come on in...and enjoy the holiday cheer at apartment 1201. 
Ever since Kara did that 'opening the door' photo to her new flat...I wanted to duplicate it. However, an assistant photographer would have been most helpful--just know I tried my best!
Our festive wreath!
As long as it looks like Christmas, who needs counter space?
The Nativity is from the Philippines...I Love the Palm Trees!
A glimpse! 
The tree and The BIG window!
A littler closer view of the tree...
And now for the closeup!
One of my favorite nativities...Chinese style!
Dad and I are looking forward to December 22nd when Adam and Bri will arrive in Hong Kong for the holidays. I wish it could have been all of you...but I am grateful for what we have!
You are the cutest mom ever! I love that arm shot going into the apartment. And the decor looks just gorgeous — as usual!
ReplyDeleteJust nine more days and we're on a plane to you and Dad! Hurrah!
Stunning, stunning, stunning! I absolutely adore your tree (well, and everything else!) My tree is starting to look "old" to me, even though I'm sure it's just because I've been looking at the same decorations for several years now. You're amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt is all as gorgeous as ever. I may have encouraged you to decorate, but you were the one with the vision and talent. I am just going to imagine sitting on your couch looking at your gorgeous tree.
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so beautiful Mom--of course. You are so talented. I am really really sad I will not be there in person to enjoy it. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteYou have always had the touch Auntie Di. It looks beautiful and hooray for friends in support of decor!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful Di! Can't believe that you of all people would even think about not decorating for Christmas! Have a great one!
ReplyDeleteI can't stand how much I love the "big window"! Did I mention how much I love the "big window"?
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm SO SURE that you even considered not decorating...what I know of you, I am certain it would throw off the balance of the universe if you didn't.
I want to be there!!! You are the queen of making any place feel like Christmas at home.
ReplyDeleteWOW! How do you do it?! It's all absolutely beautiful, and I can't believe you started from scratch this year! I hope you guys have a very Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteLove, Juli