Christmas Tradition or Christmas Obsession?

So when does a Christmas tradition turn into a Christmas obsession? Over the past few years I've collected a small assortment of Christmas village items which I've put on display each year. Well, it seems I can't get enough of them. Every year it just gets bigger and bigger. Since moving into a larger home I now have gobs of space for it. My hubbie even built me a nice new display table this year. Of course that wasn't good enough for me, I had to add an extension to it just to fit everything.

I usually start looking for new items in November and get this incredible sense of excitement just thinking about shuffling off to Lowes, Michael's and Garden Ridge to see what's new. My favorite brands are Lemax and Carole Towne which I think are now one and the same. I always have to add some sort of new building which is a Post Office this year. But what's really exciting to me is finding those small detail items. Now, I'm adding anything I think is interesting. This year I found a neat little fence with Christmas garland and a set of shrubbery from Wal-Mart, their brand of course. I'd really like to be able to add a few Dept 56 pieces but they're a little out of my budget right now. I think my Christmas tradition, for now, may someday get to the point where I am easily willing to shell out the big bucks but right now it's just whatever's interesting and on sale. So what Christmas traditions do you have that may be tetering on Christmas obsessions?

No village is complete without a Post Office. How else will Santa get his letters from the little kiddies?


I love this gate and fence I found at Wal-Mart.








I also found these lighted shrubs at Wal-Mart.




Of course the gas is free in Christmas Towne!








And my favorites piece of all. The Coffee Shop!


Here's my little town all assembled. My next find? A gorgeous background!