A bare tree and an early SatNav . . .

Today we celebrated the Solemnity of the Epiphany in style.  A beautiful Mass followed by a delicious pub lunch.

Back home to the usual Epiphany tasks.  First to place the 'Kings' in the crib and then to take down the decorations.

I must admit, in typical housewife fashion, I rather enjoy the taking down of the decorations, lights etc.  Whilst the menfolk deal with the heavier chores of dismantling outside lights and searching for storage boxes in the loft, I take my time wandering round the house collecting Christmas cards, removing bits and pieces of decorations and 'undressing' the tree.

Like many families, some of our tree decorations are quiet old dating from the time our children were tiny (our oldest is now 31!).  Worth hardly anything in material terms but priceless in  terms of the memories they evoke.

I'm a bit fanatical about organising things generally and Christmas is no different. I still have the original packing for most of the decorations and everything is labelled.  I know I must be a nightmare for anyone who likes a carefree approach, but I can lay my hands on anything in an instant and immediately know if something is missing.

With music playing quietly in the background I go about my task happily and after not too long, we have a result . . . 

One bare tree!

And here are the magi who, having followed what must have been one of the earliest forms of Satellite Navigation, have finally arrived at their destination and kneel in adoration before the Infant Jesus.

We'll leave our crib in place until the Baptism of the Lord next week.

Oops!  Nearly forgot - Happy Epiphany everyone!