Mom's Tradition of the Christmas Ornament
As we decorated our tree this year, I was (once again) quite emotional. I am a bit of a softie anyhow, but hanging our ornaments always gets to me. Our family’s Christmas tree is not color-coordinated. It doesn't have the most beautiful or bejeweled ornaments. But it has meaning. And I love that. So we opened “our life that's been stored in a box since this last year. We were all reminded of our family’s history with each ornament we hung. I came across all those ornaments that I had collected as souvenirs from Christmas's spent away from home, ornaments from my Mom, ornaments from my children, and ornaments collected from our children's childhood. We are reminded of the blessings of our past; we are grateful for our time together; we look forward to all that is to come when we’ll add more meaningful ornaments to our collection.
Last year before m
I was still sitting on the floor sipping some good hot coffee admiring my tree when I noticed a box sitting in a corner that had not been opened yet. I had forgotten all about that box of ornaments from Mom. As I opened the box I immediately was overcome with emotion. My emotions got the best of me and tears rolled down my face. I discovered my Christmas ornaments I had given my Mom were all neatly wrapped and placed in that box for ME. My mom had gone through our family’s Christmas ornaments and set aside the ones that were meaningful to me–they were mine now for my own family’s tree. As I sat crying my husband was wondering what was in that box that made me cry.
Eli must have heard me cry because that little fellow came downstairs so fast to find out what was making his Mimi cry. He sat down beside me and started patting me on my back as I explained what this special box held. That meant so much to me and I hope the meaning of the Christmas ornament gifts to them will someday mean what it does for me. He went back upstairs after consoling me then hubby hugged me and held me tight letting me know he totally understood their importance of what that box held. I sat back down and looked at all the tiny reminders of moments passed with Mom.
Mom loves this time of the year just like Dad did. As we grew up and became adults Mom would invite all her girls out for dinner; then give us our ornaments. Everything I have experienced with my Mom about Christmas was summed up in that box. And now I am taking that part of my life forward as I began the next chapter with my new husband… That was easily the most meaningful gift I have ever received from my MOM. It was her way of saying, “This is what I have done for you and with you…at Christmas time” I was overwhelmed with gratitude … and I knew right then I am so glad I give the same gift to my own children and their children.
It was nice to have my son Chris hear about what happened when I opened the box he understood immediately why I cried and hugged me tightly. So happy that the meaning of the ornaments I give to my children are special to them. that the meaning of the ornaments I give they are special to them.
Our Christmas tree tells our family’s story. I hope this letter inspires each of you to find ways to bring meaning into the ornaments that your family hangs as well. :)
dinner and ornament from Mom
JL's ornament he made
No comments:
Post a Comment