It's Christmas time and that means perusing our local craft store for holiday decorating ideas. Ben Franklin Crafts in Hilo always has such cute, fully decorated, choked out to da max, Christmas Trees. Everything on them is for sale. The blackboard tree on the left has become very popular. The one on the right has a elf theme going while sticking to the traditional green, red & white motif. Cute little sayings here and there add character.

Blank chalk board ornaments and richly saturated colors of red, black and white are waiting to be personalized.

Perfect for our up-country friends, this Paniolo (cowboy) tree has rustic charm and a home spun quality.

Elegance and opulence, peacocks and butterflies, seashells, and sparkles make up these trees.

Always on hand are findings in every department ready for your handiwork and creativity.

I just love this look so much that this year I am going to decorate our tree with an under-the-sea theme. I have a few really nice hand blown ornaments that I've collected over the years and I can't wait to have the scent of pine in our home again.

All these years we have gotten a 6-7' tree. This year, because we don't have a lot of ocean themed ornaments, I decided to try a smaller 4-5'. Surprise, it fits the space even better! All lit up the shell lights are large and bright. I put two strands of twinkly lights, but it could use two more. Oh well, next year. The serene mermaid topper with Poseidon and extra large dolphins on watch below her are my favorite ornaments. Of course, the pearl garlands and the hand blown glass jelly fish with dangling beaded tentacles come in a close second.

Everyone knows Santa Claus vacations in Hawaii right after his yearly Christmas fly-by.

Mele Kalikimaka from our hale (home) to yours and me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!