**A blog post from 2008 that I just found in my drafts**
I truly believe that almost the entire history of a family can be told through the story of their Christmas ornaments. Newly married couples usually have a smaller tree, or a number of ornaments that are store bought and generic, as their story together is still in the infant stage. I just finished decorating my parents’ tree with my mom, and with every ornament placed on the branches, a new memory is brought forward about how it was acquired, or what monumental occasions occurred during the year etched on the front. No matter how many times the ornament has been displayed, and how many times the story told, they never lose their importance. The little angel, with the pink crinoline skirt and the wooden face, was purchased by a young girl 46 years ago. In the deep cold of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the doorbell rang on one December night in 1962. Behind the door stood a woman selling small handmade ornaments for 50 cents. The young girl fell in love with the pink skirted angel and my Grandmother purchased it for her, as a gift, so my mother could have something of her own to hang on the Christmas tree. That wonderfully crafted moment of delight is still hanging on the Christmas tree so many years later.
Another cold December, my brother (then 3) wanted to buy ‘his’ new baby (unborn) a hockey stick for Christmas. My mother was in the hospital having the baby from December 19 until the 23, and so left little time for Christmas shopping for the new addition. Once I had arrived home in a bundle of blankets and weather protective gear, my brother quickly realized that the new baby sister was, well, useless, and would not make much use out of a hockey stick. In the cold Canadian night on December 23, four days after giving birth, my mom took my older brother to the pharmacy to pick out a gift. Almost immediately, he spotted it. He spotted the gift that would be absolutely perfect for his new baby sister: a blue bird ornament. He knew then that the hockey stick could wait, because nothing could be more perfect a gift as this. This, as my first Christmas gift ever, is, by far, my favourite ornament on the Christmas tree, this year and every year.
Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope you take the moments necessary to look at your Christmas tree and truly realize the memories behind the ornaments.
These are gorgeous. I love our old handmade ornaments too – and the ones I’ve picked up on special trips. They’re the best.
I love this post. It reminds me of our ornament stories. You may have inspired a post. We’ll see if I can get it together. Max was born on Dec. 22 so I know how your mom felt. Oh! and happy birthday very soon! I’m just glad you updated. I’ve missed you.
WOW! What a beautiful bird! p.s. I just “tagged you” on my blog. No obligation though if you are too busy.
My husband and I are newly married and I wanted to give him something for his birthday (Dec. 2) to hang on our first Christmas tree. As a boy he was a fan of dinosaurs and Jurassic Park, so I found him a toy Velociraptor, and with some parts purchased from various dollar and craft stores, crafted him a ‘Christmas Velociraptor’ ornament with a red bow around its neck. Hilarious – a memory in the making for sure! Thanks for a great holiday read
Alexis that is INCREDIBLE! Mr and I are also newly married, and last year I asked if we could give each other an ornament as part of our gift. Now on our first tree we have two special ornaments from last year, and a TON of purple and silver from the drugstore. It turns out his last year’s ornament is prettier AND classier than mine. I should have known.
Awww! I love those stories! I miss my parent’s Christmas tree! I have not spent Christmas at their house in 10+ years (they always come to Texas, from California). I should just look at their ornaments when I visit in the spring!
Get them to bring ‘em down! I’m about to make a trip to my parents’ house (not two states away) and grab the ornaments that are ‘mine’ but have always been at home on their tree. We’ll see how well that’s received.
I love your blog. Nice job.
I enjoyed this post!