Decking the Halls with Memories

Handmade by Emily

I really enjoyed decorating for Christmas this year.  Some years its more a chore than a joy, but, this time every item I unpacked seemed especially precious because of all the memories it evoked.  Goodness knows I have squirreled away more than my fair share of Christmas treasures over the years.  I've lost count of the number of nativities I have now and I have given up putting them all out every year.  I kind of pick and choose according to my mood.  This time, I decided I would only put up the ones that were especially dear.  The newest addition certainly fell into that category.  Last summer, when we were up in Utah, Emily pulled me aside to tell me she had something for me- something she had made.  It turned out to be this adorable little nativity set. (I love it that Mary has purple hair with an orange streak!)  It made me smile every time I walked by.

      Others are long time friends like this Precious Moments set that Mom gave me.  The first year I received Mary, Joseph and the baby.  The  rest of the pieces were added over several years.  I have always loved it but, with her passing, it is even dearer to me now.  The serape scarf it is sitting on was my Grandma Reay's- another sweet reminder of a loved one. 

    Other sets like this Korean one bring back wonderful memories of places we've been and adventures enjoyed along the way.

 

And, of course, trimming the trees is really a sentimental journey.  Some ornaments we've had since the kids were little.  Some I made, like those pink felt angels..(what was I thinking??) some were handmade gifts from Mom, Jeanie, Mona etc. Others we've picked up on our travels.. cloisonne ornaments from China, a violin from Austria, a Scotsman in a kilt, Polish pottery eggs, German cuckoo clocks etc.  Each one brings back a sweet memory.  These porcelain dolls were some of the last gifts Mom gave me. They are exquisitely painted and costumed and I love them.  The little reindeer hanging beside her is an ornament I made for her many years ago out of salt dough.  It seemed appropriate to hang them close together.         

 

Yes, this year, decorating for Christmas was very special journey- Filled with warmth and love but, especially memories.  I'm so grateful for Him whose birthday we celebrate.  Because of Him goodbyes are only temporary and memories are eternal.