Empty nest perks

One of the great things about the empty nest during the holidays is witnessing the enthusiasm with which my daughters feather their own nests for Christmas.

Ever since Thanksgiving, I've received various photo texts and Facebook updates from Brianna, Megan and Andrea showing me the progress of their decorating. Here, just one from each of my crafty, creative, Christmas-loving daughters:

It warms my heart to see my daughters feathering with festive fervor.

Now if only they'd come decorate my place.  I'm only about a third of the way through — and am debating on a few things, wondering if this is really a must or that truly needs to be set out. My nest includes only Jim and myself, and the more we set out, the more we must take down in mere weeks.

The decorating debate continues.... (Anyone else feeling the same way?)

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Quick unrelated reminder: There's still time to enter to win the precious personalized blanket and book set I told you about last week; I draw the winner Tuesday.

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GRAND Social No. 134 link party

Ah, forget decorating. Let's just get social! It's GRAND Social link party for grandparents time! Thank you for linking, reading, and supporting your fellow grandparent bloggers.

How it works:

• All grandparent bloggers are invited to add a link. You don't have to blog about grandparenting, just be a grandparent who blogs.

• To link up a post, copy the direct URL to the specific post — new or old — that you want to share, not the link to your blog's home page. Then click the blue button below marked "Add your link" and follow the directions.

• You can add up to three posts, but no duplicates, contests, giveaways, or Etsy sites, please.

• Adding a mention such as This post linked to the GRAND Social to your linked posts is appreciated. Or, you can post the GRAND Social button anywhere on your page using the following code:

• The GRAND Social linky accepts posts through Wednesday evening, so please come back to see those added after your first visit.

• If you're not a blogger, you have the pleasure of being a reader. Those sharing a link would be honored to have you visit, read and, if so moved, leave a comment even if just "Hey, stopping by from the GRAND Social." Bloggers who link are encouraged to visit and comment on the links of other bloggers, as well.