My parents never had a “theme” tree. Selecting the perfect tree each year represented a major event at our house and we loved returning home with a gorgeous noble fir. Much of this desire for the “perfect” tree came from my father, who grew up in the Tuscon desert and loved the fresh, green trees of our Washington state home. Once arranged in our living room, the tree was decked with bold, colorful lights, my father’s precious bubble lights, a wide array of ornaments, and a generous helping of garland.
Mom wanted each of her girls to have something special to put on the tree each year, so we received a new ornament to commemorate each Christmas. This continued even after I graduated from high school and was often added to with an extra ornament to remember a family vacation or with a sweet little Snow Baby to add to my collection. Now, as I pull out my ornaments each year, I share a special memories of them with my daughter.
I love to see the tree representing baby’s 1st Christmas, Santa riding a dolphin from one of our Sea World trips, and my “O” that is part of the word “Noel,” of which each of the four girls in my family hold a letter. I smile when I see the care bear so well loved that he is now missing his hook to hang on the tree, my precious climbing Santa who always delighted me, and the beautiful ballet shoes representing the dance my sisters and I loved as girls. When we’re finished hanging them, the tree is a modge-podge of holiday memories and cheer and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I also always use the larger lights and bubble lights that always remind me of my Dad.
As my children grow, many of these childhood treasures will remain in their boxes, happily replaced by the new ornaments each child receives. I hope their ornaments will bring as much joy to them as they grow as mine have brought to me. Through this tradition, I hope our tree will represent for them even a portion of what it means to me each year: family, faith, unity, cheer, hope, and celebration of the birth of our Savior.
Ella also had her holiday party for her preschool this Wednesday. They held it at the local basketball court, called “The Bowl” because the court is below ground. The kids joined their classes and families watched from the bleachers as they sang along with some fun songs they’ve learned so far this year.
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I love it! We do the same thing! Except that every year growing up we got ornaments from our grandparents. I think it’s great also because when you get married you’re not suddenly left with nothing to decorate with, but have all these ornaments to take with you. I’m also starting to buy my kids their own, though they also get them from their Sorenson Grandparents and occasionally an aunt and uncle. I guess they won’t be short on ornaments(or memories) when they’re grown! =)
Aiden had 20 questions about the ornaments this year. I think it finally sunk in that these were mine and Dad’s. I was also excited because I found some garland at Ikea this year to put around the tree. I love her at the concert. Such enthusiasm.
Why do your blogs always make me teary eyed? My Christmas ornaments are my favorite treasures. I used to love the tree trip and putting it up. I have wonderful memories of the joy our family shared at this time of the year, with you kids and my own growing up years. Thank you, for the sweet pictures of Ella’s play, they are precious.
Love you lots,
mom
This is a really nice memory, nicely written, Mindy. Peg was/is always REALLY picky about her tree too—a grand fir fan though. And every year she laments the ‘awful shearing practices’ of tree farmers as though she’s trumpeting an endangered species cause. And every year she complains about it with gusto, as if we’ve never heard of this shameful debasement before. Good fuel for teasing her.
That is exactly how our tree is. Each of the kids get an ornament each year and we have special ones on there… always pick up a couple one for the hubby and I. I almost cry every year when I pull ornaments out and do the “oh this was from… ” … Our tree is so small right now it doesn’t fit all the ornaments. Hopefully next year we’ll have a bigger tree and a bigger place to celebrate! Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest
PS: I’m following you 😀
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Your tree is beautiful, and I agree. It’s much more meaningful to have a tree full of memories.
LOL!! I love those pictures of the 3 kids hugging…too cute!!
~WM