My favorite part of decking the halls is trimming the tree. Opening the box of ornaments and oohing and ahhing and laughing as we hang them on the tree. Each one holds a special place in our hearts. At least, in my daughter's and mine. The guys seem to care less.
Every Christmas my husband and I buy the kids a special ornament depicting some event from the past year. When my son was into collecting dog figurines, he got a dog ornament. When my daughter did cheer, she received a cheerleader ornament. One year my son got an ornament that said, "Oldest Child...Mom's favorite" and my daughter got one that said, "Youngest Child...Mom's favorite." Here are a few of the other ornaments that have been added to their collection over the years:
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| The skateboarding phase |
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| Zach played tennis for 4 years |
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| Lyndsey finally got that iPod she'd been begging for! |
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| The year Lyndsey got glasses. She's already moved on to contacts. |
Last year (way back on the 2nd of January, 2010), my son turned 16. He officially got his drivers license a few months later. My daughter was in 8th grade. She was on the volleyball team and played the drums, but she'd already been given a volleyball and drum ornament in past years, so I had to come up with something different. Then I thought of something absolutely perfect for her. Below, is a picture of the ornaments my kids received last year.
I'll probably order their 2011 ornaments sometime this week. I have ideas for both kids and can't wait to shop around and see what I can find. (by the way, eBay has tons of ornament stores with endless options!)
Our Christmas tree is very eclectic. I think themed trees are beautiful, but not nearly as much fun as a tree decorated with ornaments that tell a story. And as we hang our ornaments every year, we enjoy looking back at each of the "seasons" the kids have passed through so far. And these memories never fail to bring smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts. Maybe a little bit of sorrow, too, knowing that there probably will never be another "skateboarding" or "ballet" season. But definitely happiness that there will never be another "braces" season! (At least for my son. Daughter just got hers this year).
So what about you? What event or milestone would be on your (or your child's) ornament this year?
2 comments:
I'd like to serve my new teenage daughter an ornament with a strip of duct tape on it to remind us all she had a sassy mouth when she was 13! lol
But seriously, I'd say we need a iPhone ornament with thumbs on the side to represent my daughter's phase of life as a texter or a piano since she's becoming very good. And my son needs a karate ornament as that's his new adventure! :)
Fun post. Loved your photos! :)
Hi Lynda....that's a nice tradition. Well, let's see....my daughter and her hubs painted their house and my son and his love went to Hawaii. I'd get something with those themes. Susan
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