each year shortly after thanksgiving we decorate our tree and each year there are new ornaments. when we got married candy began the annual tradition of giving each child a christmas ornament that was representative of the past year. it might be related to an activity that they had a great time participating in or related to a book that had caught their attention. today she sometimes regrets starting that tradition because it can sometimes be very hard to decide what is the best ornament to get or, even worse, decide what would be perfect then be unable to find it.
but each year she comes through. and each year i think the kids are more excited than the last to see what was chosen for them. it is an exciting kick off for our christmas season celebrations.
after each new ornament is opened we then place them on the tree first. then it becomes a wonderful stroll down memory lane as we unpack and hang up each ornament for each child from the previous years. our tree has few decorations that are not related to a childhood memory. as christmas, at least the tree, presents and santa, is really for kids it is a deep pleasure to open ornaments from years past and talk about what was going on in each child's life at the time the gift was given. if you asked any one of them what they got for christmas last year or any year for that matter they would be hard pressed to give you and answer. but if you asked them what ornaments are their's and what is the meaning and memory behind that they can talk and laugh for hours.
tradition. it binds us together by reminding us that we have a shared past, shared memories, shared love.
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