Looked at possible X'mas decor at several big stores but found nothing I like. I don't like fake trees; they are just as horrid as fake flowers and their owners. I don't like glittery, mylar leaves and blossoms, especially those that shed specks of glitter dust on the floor; they make me think of burlesque dancers' costumes. I don't like little, ceramic houses covered with snow and snowmen and ice skaters; they do not belong to the country I live in.

I ended up not buying anything. It was very clear to me that all of those items were designed to embellish shop display windows, not homes.

I am completely convinced that the best X'mas decor is bought off the sidewalks, if not made by yourself or your children. There is nothing quite like handmade, folk-art bamboo lanterns with paper panes.