1st of Advent

Even though we traveled and I have been working non-stop since we got back, I still managed to decorate the house for Christmas in time for 1st of Advent, something that is important to me.
We are staying in Abu Dhabi as per usual, and both the kids are coming down for two weeks which we are looking forward to of course; but also my Mum, for the first time in a long time! 
It will be a very special Christmas indeed!

It makes me so so so happy every year to open the box(es! of Christmas decorations, and I always save the tree for last. Each and every bauble and decoration reminds me of sweet memories, and I get to relive them again and again every Christmas.

Here are the ones I collected from this years adventures.
First a decoration from the Harry Potter World-visit Linnea and I did when I came to see her in May:

A couple of decorations from Australia, even though we have been there before, why not add some more? This time I got a kangaroo to add to the menagerie of Australian animals we already have in the tree:

I also bought two handmade baubles from a gallery, painted by Aboriginal artists. The left one is of the famous Seven Sisters constellation which is one of the most painted 'Dreaming Stories' in Aboriginal art:

I bought this palette also in London, during my visit to the National Portrait Gallery with Anna:

A heavy porcelain bauble with Iznik decorations, bought in Istanbul:

Another heavy bauble with decorations in relief, from Milan:

And finally, Dublin rendered a few new ones, as I couldn't decide. This first one is also made out of porcelain:

This one from the Guinness Storehouse Experience, obviously:

And finally, a Shamrock, for Ireland!

Now Christmas has started! Happy 1st of Advent!