When Rich and I were in our early 30's, we moved from New Jersey to Southern California with 2 small children. Not having any friends or family in our new location, we quickly realized it was time to start our own holiday traditions. One of our favorites that has lasted the test of time is our quaintly ( and I use that term loosely) decorated tree. If I remember correctly, we started collecting ornaments....the Hallmark anniversary for each year, one or two from every vacation or business trip, the monogrammed brass ornaments from Grammy and so on.Over the years, our selection criteria has evolved into seeking out the most unusual (another term used loosely) ornaments we can find. For example, our family trip to Yellowstone uncovered the biggest, brassiest, shiniest replica of Old Faithful lodge you could possibly imagine. Then there is the little lace covered round basket that someone in Oregon had the creativity to turn into a pirate's head with a gold tooth and eye-patch, and the feathery pink flamingo with the Santa hat. We still have every Christmas ornament my niece made in elementary school that I'm sure my sister-in-law convinced her we would love to have.....don't worry Colleen we still love them and hang them up every year.
My favorite part of this tradition is the fact that we all still get together every year on Thanksgiving weekend to decorate the tree. We always end up laughing at ourselves and our crazy collection of ornaments.
2 comments:
I saw an extension of your tree this year at Jess's house. I loved her Barbie ornaments, but even more I loved the one where it looks like Santa is humping a turtle.
Your tree and decorations look beautiful. I love trees that are loaded with memories. I have ornaments that Michael and I made for our very first Christmas tree.
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