Oh, Christmas Tree
Every ornament on my tree holds a memory and has a history.
This card defines the theme of what I call ‘my 5-minute tree,’ which is small, decorated in red and gold and actually takes about 15 minutes to put up and decorate. I got the card many years ago from my first mother-in-law, the grandmother of my sons, and my dear friend, Pat. I put it out every year because it’s one of the prettiest cards I’ve ever gotten, and now it’s displayed in her memory. She died in 2011. The smaller ornaments are from a wood and paint ornament kit that were a gift many years ago from my childhood friend Laura.
This is the first year this button heart that was made by my very creative sister Kathy hangs on my tree, and I’m sure it will hang in her memory every year from now on. It came with the last mail I received from her, a Hull Times copy of the five generations (her, her daughter, granddaughter and great granddaughter) picture I took and submitted to the paper in the town where we grew up. We lost her to cancer last month. I do like the homemade ornaments the best. The Santa next to Kathy’s button heart is one I bought in the ‘90s at our town’s annual Winterfest. Someone creative made it.
Sometimes I get creative. This felt bird is almost 40 years old. It comes from a series that I made when I was in my early ’20s and is infused with lots of memories.
This ornament is even older. A classic if there ever was one. It’s one of the few I have from my childhood and dates back to the ‘50s. The red one next to it was handmade with pins and sequins by one of my grandsons. That ornament tradition was passed on to me by a woman whose son went to the day care I worked at in the ‘70s. I’ve made many of them over the years and taught others to.
Every ornament has a history and story. This angel was made by talented folk artist Annie Moon, who makes dolls from found and recycled fabrics. She used to live in Floyd but I think lives in Norfolk now.
This clothespin soldier represents my time living in Texas (1978 to 1985). I don’t remember who I got it from, but I loved the craft idea. My son Josh was a baby when I got it, along with some others that have been misplaced over the years. Every year I like to add at least one new one. I’m still waiting to see what this year will bring.
________Our World Tuesday
December 20th, 2015 6:20 pm
These ornaments are like little stories of the people in our lives. I did not do a tree this year and am thinking next year of buying a smaller one…maybe two table top trees for both rooms. One with fancy ornaments and one with memory ornaments. Too tired to haul up that decade old artificial tree.
December 20th, 2015 10:20 pm
the memories the ornaments bring to mind each year make trimming the tree so very special. I can see you share in that sentimental journey. it takes us 1.5 days to just decorate our tree because there are so many ornaments. finding places to put them so they each hang freely on their portion of branch is a challenge. when we are done, the beauty makes every second worth it! I love when someone new stumbles into our lives and we get to tell the stories again, fresh to new ears. we now have small monogrammed locket frames with photos of each of my parents who’ve now passed away – I love these. this year I placed a 55+ yr old tiny angel ornament from my early childhood on the tree! it’s so easy to become mesmerized by the beautiful tree and just stare at it! happy holiday wishes, colleen, to you and your family.
December 21st, 2015 1:03 am
It’s not quite a table tree but small enough that it does need to balance on a crate that lifts it up enough. I have simplified my ornament collection and with a small tree can only use the lightest ornaments. I do also enjoy just staring at it.
December 21st, 2015 1:12 am
And this is the way it should be done I think. Memories should twinkle after all t’iz it not the season of remembrance and whatever brings one Peace.
It was looking like a tree would not be standing in my house this year. But things came together, and now a nice white spruce bears my memories.
Have a good Christmas and Shtufffs, am thinking about hibernating in a stocking over the mantel, so might not be around.
December 21st, 2015 1:58 am
Sweet post! And lovely photos.
December 21st, 2015 8:31 pm
That is the best kind of tree of all! Full of love and memories! It’s the kind we always had ( but then we started traveling and now our daughter and granddaughter hangs those memories on their trees!).
December 22nd, 2015 1:52 am
Fabulous tree!
December 22nd, 2015 2:32 am
Loved your decorations. Nice to read your memories associated with them.
Merry Christmas to you and all your loved ones!
December 23rd, 2015 4:36 am
What a beautiful tree full of memories ! I feel so nostalgic about Christmas now. Our son celebrates in a completely different way, and I have to make an effort to feel a bit chrismassy !
December 24th, 2015 1:28 am
Very cheery! Have a great Christmas!
December 28th, 2015 2:35 pm
What a lovely tree!