Family Traditions
One of our family’s Christmas tradition is to put up our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. We (really me) do this to make the festive season last longer. The hanging of the ornaments on the tree is such a special time. I love to look at each one and talk about where we got it and what precious memories come with the decoration. There are many homemade ornaments on our tree from when my children were little. Several have photos of the kids through the years and that is so wonderful to fill the tree with pictures of my children growing up.
There are also ornaments that were given to us from friends and family. Many years ago I taught gymnastics to kids ages three through twelve. One of my students gave me a cute wooden dinosaur she’d carved in school with her name etched on the side. The ornament still hangs on my tree today. She’s an adult now and I have no idea where she ended up but every year when I hang that little dinosaur on the tree I say a prayer for her and her family.
Do you have a special ornament that brings to mind someone from the past?
Two commenters will receive a signed Christmas book and some chocolate.
In this heartwarming tale set during the Christmas season, a single father and a fashion photographer are brought together by a young boy and a mischievous Bernese mountain dog—but first they must learn to set aside their differences if they are willing to let their relationship bloom.
David Murphy never knew much about kids. But when his brother dies unexpectedly, David is granted custody of his six-year-old nephew, Troy, who he’s only seen once a year since he was born. He already has his hands full running his business, and he has no idea how to help the grieving boy. When Troy runs off one day, David finds him at a park playing with an adorable and rambunctious Bernese mountain dog—who leads him to Sophie.
Sophie Griffith has spent her life travelling around the world as a photojournalist. She has never stayed in one place for long, and her new assignment—helping her grandmother for a few weeks—is just temporary. Once Christmas day comes, Sophie is off the hook and can leave for a new adventure. Caring for her grandmother is a piece of cake—but caring for her new Bernese mountain dog, Riggs, is a different story. It doesn’t help that Riggs strikes up a friendship with a lost little boy one day at the park—and leads her to David.
Neither David nor Sophie have time for romance. But as they spend more time together, they start falling for each other even though they know it can’t go anywhere. Sophie will be gone after Christmas, and the last thing David needs is another distraction as he tries to comfort Troy. But as their faith and growing love for the boy and dog unites them, they wonder whether it’s more than a holiday romance…and maybe Troy might finally get his Christmas wish for a family.
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An ornament that is very meaningful and special was given to me by my late mother. She knew that I would cherish this ornament which was unique. This was a set of teacups and a teapot since I am and was a tea drinker. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely decoration and special memory.
DeleteA very good friend gave me an ornament of a book since she knew how much I enjoyed books and reading. It is precious to me. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful idea for an ornament.
DeleteI have many rocking horse ornaments. I get some each year as gifts. Each one has a special meaning.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
I too have a few rocking horse ornament. Such fun.
Deletehave a Noah's flood ornament in memory of our flood 20 years ago in this area.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice way to remember the event.
DeleteI inherited a few glass ornaments from my grandmother. They have been much loved and show it, but truly precious.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
What wonderful keepsakes.
DeleteWe put ours up at the same time, every year. My favorite thing is to curl up on the sofa with the tv and lights off and just look at the Christmas tree and listen to the sound of silence or settle in with a good book. :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds lovely.
DeleteWhat a pretty tree! I have one ornament left from my grandmother. My children tipped the tree over several years ago and the rest were smashed. Oh, they were so upset with themselves. I didn't yell though just hugged them and told them the memories still live in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteWe love to sleep in the living room each year underneath the glow of the lights. It's the kids favorite thing to do. They're growing older now and that tradition will soon end.
Heartbreaking to lose the mementos but the cherished memories will last forever. Sleeping by the tree sounds fun.
Delete