Every year, I consider doing a "theme" tree. I love seeing trees done in all blue, pink, red...or with ornaments related to a theme like movies, a favorite book, or a destination. At the Museum of Science and Industry here in Chicago, you can get tons of inspiration via their "Christmas Around the World" exhibit, which showcases trees that either reflect the typical tree decor or pay homage to the country itself. Someone came by my house the other night and said that my tree looked like one from one of the Scandinavian countries. Cool! That's about the closest I'm going to get unless I decide to go all-out with a second tree. When I had the space, I did put up two, even three trees, but no real theme. Just more room for the assortment of ornaments I've amassed over the past 30+ years.
Working in the field of Early Childhood Education for most of those years, a common gift from my families was a Christmas ornament. This turned out to be not just an affordable gift, but a thoughtful and smart one to give. As I later learned when my own children had multiple teachers and staff members at school that I wanted to remember, an ornament for everyone was pretty affordable, especially once I learned that the Christmas shop at Macy's is 90% off the week after Christmas. Next year's gift buying was done by January 10. This made it super affordable to give a really nice gift and also made it easy. That alone makes it a smart gift, but the fact that I remember certain children EVERY TIME I unpack these makes it timeless. I also have an array of other ornaments that I've purchased myself, or for my children, or received as gifts from friends and family. I've never met a Christmas ornament that I didn't like, even the slightly scary Christopher Radko-esque clown that I still put up (on the back of the tree...).
Not from a child, but from that time I won the ugliest ornament contest. As the winner, I got take home the ugly ornament of my choice. I worked with a group of Directors for the better part of 15 years, and the faces didn't change much. The 14 of us got together every year for lunch and....well....I do miss them! This sumo wrestler isn't ugly at all to me and reminds me of some really great times. I found him missing a leg when I unpacked him this year, the result of one too many moves. But, silicone glue (my new best friend) had him fixed up in seconds. Seriously, the stuff is amazing.
A little girl named Brittany gave me this ornament in 1984. The pillow inside is scented. Still. Very scented. Hallmark...what can I say?
Belvedeer the Reindeer from Avon. Not from a child, but from myself when I helped my mom sell Avon while I was in high school. Geez, I really do keep everything!
From Katie, c. 1986. She was in my 3-year old class. She was rambunctious. She also leaned too close to her birthday cake and caught her hair on fire. Just a few strands singed. No harm done.
From Kaylin, Kylie and Russsell. Mom was a professional by day, and a serious crafter by night. (Not that she couldn't be a professional crafter, but she wasn't). She made awesome ornaments every year. This soldier is made from a clothespin.
This was given to me by my brother's mother-in-law. Sweet lady! She gave this to me the first year I was married, 24 years ago.
With all of the ornaments I have from other kids, I love this one that my daughter's teachers helped her make when she was just over a year old. Awwwwwww.......................................................
And then there's this family ornament that I still hang, with all of our names on it, including my ex-husband's. Everything, I mean everything and everyone that has been a part of my life figure deeply into who, what and where I am today. No regrets.
Besides, the reindeer are just too cute not to hang.
#traditions
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