A few last-minute details

It's starting to feel like Christmas is almost here. The eldest child has been retrieved from college. Enough cookies have been baked to have something credible to offer a guest. We enjoyed one of our favorite traditions Saturday night, dinner with our dearest of friends.

The tree is decorated, as it has been for some time, but some packages have been wrapped and placed near it. It won't feel like Christmas is really here, though, until something else happens. Yes, you know what it is.

The third annual Academy of Vintage Christmas Ornament Arts and Sciences Award Ceremony!

There are only a few details to announce before the event, which begins at 8 p.m. (EST) Monday, Dec. 19. As always, admission is free, black tie is optional, and parking should pose no problem. The Academy is hoping for a flawless, controversy-free event this year, last year's event being marred just a tiny bit by the Academy's admission that it does not particularly care for knee-hugger elf ornaments.

Not to dwell too much on last year, but you may remember that the Academy opened up the nominating process and invited people to suggest various awards.  The Academy will not make that mistake again! Instead, the Academy hopes to build upon last year's event. It will, for example, honor the category "Best Alternative-Lifestyle Oriented Elf with Bendy Knees" by permanently retiring it.

But the Academy may include certain other categories suggested by others last year. And new categories may be added. The Academy intends to do whatever it pleases this year. Including - and you've probably heard the rumors on the blogosphere already - adding a category for "Best Christmas Ornament Inspired by a Joni Mitchell Song."

On behalf of the 300-and-some ornaments in contention for an award, let me close by simply saying: See you there.

 

Comments

[Maria (Magia Mia)]

I'm always game for a black tie event. See you there!

[Kathy]

Eeeeeeeee! I can hardly wait to see how lame my collection is and what I have to aspire to!!! I am so new to ornament collection. I just love to see what's out there so I know what I should be looking for. I will be the google-eyed girl in the corner asking for autographs.

[Into Vintage]

I'm going to be up all night!!

[Julie]

First Survivor South Pacific results and now the Academy VCOASA (need to work on that abbreviation)- how much can one girl stand (LOL)

[Kat]

I'm a new viewer of the Academy this year. Let's see if this one can keep me awake. Do you have a best overall category?

[Tina]

My daughter has asked me several times this month about this eagerly anticipated event! I am hoping spritz (is that what they are called?) cookies will be served!

[Renee]

Christmas music (check). Hot cocoa (check). Trees lit (check). Snowflake cookies (check). Okay....I am ready! This is my favorite. Thank you sharing your Christmas with us...Merry Christmas...Renee

[Linda]

Can't wait to see the show!

[Melissa's Antiques]

Wish I could participate! This sounds like a lot of fun! :)

[Linda @ A La Carte]

This is truly one of the highlights of my Christmas season. I will be there with bells on! Really I will have my jingle bell earrings on! Hugs, Linda

[Martha]

I'm so excited about the awards -- wearing my best sweats and the the champagne is on ice.

Love the high resolution image of your tree -- it was so fun to check all of the ornaments that you decide to keep. Do you put all your favorites in the front?

Next year I'm hoping to see an ornament on that tree with 3 tiny carolers.

[Ruthann]

I think you are really me if I was who I was meant to be. The spritz cookies cinched it.

I am already camped out for the awards like a parka clad 40 year old in front of Best Buy on the Wed before Thanksgiving.

BTW, what is the history of the star on your tree?

[Cheap Van Hire UK]

:) Nice post.. Merry Christmas..........!