Making memories
One of the things we always enjoy about Christmas is putting up the tree! I always admire people whose trees and decorations are all co-ordinated colour wise – it looks grown up. Our tree on the other hand is a complete mis match of colours and items! I love to collect a new decoration each Christmas from somewhere special we have been as a family and of course each year the children bring home new decorations made at school or their after-school activities.
Each year we talk about the decorations and where each came from to the kids. This year the youngest (10) was in charge of where the decorations went on the tree and he was not pleased when he realised that there are more decorations made by his older siblings than him! We explained that is because they have had more Christmas's than he has. Hilariously he has put all theirs at the back of the tree and all his at the front and he took great pleasure in telling them both that was the case!
So back to four angels – When I was very young at playgroup in Great Dunmow I ‘made’ (with some help I think!) an angel for the Christmas tree. The eldest of seven siblings I got top spot on the tree for her until some of the younger ones made their own and we took turns.
I still have said angel and here is our eldest child back in the day putting it on our own Christmas tree.
Once Ethan started school, he also made an angel at Christmas time and brought it home. He was not really bothered but for the next few years his angel graced the top of the tree unless he decided mine should. They were both on the tree though each year. Fast forward to middle child and she also made one when she started school. Now it was a rotation of three. Three or four years ago we were late putting the tree up, so they had finished school for the term. Suddenly the youngest realised that he did not have an angel – not sure how he missed out making one at school – maybe not done anymore? I was amused when the next morning he proudly presented his angel – Seeing how the others were made he had found a toilet roll and stuck a face on it! So funny - it’s now become part of our tree decorations and this year he was pleased to put it in pride of place!!!
Here are some of our favourite decorations on the tree.
A glass angel – gifted to my husband and I on our second Christmas from my American family. The glass star comes with a lovely poem and was hand made by my very talented friend from mums’ group. She made all 6 of the babies in our group one for their very first Christmas – so special.
This year’s additions had to reflect the strange year we have all had – not quite the normal choice but seemed appropriate still to remember.
Three baubles – the tartan and the snowflake ones are remainders from the very first lot of tree ornaments Hubbie and I bought from Debenhams the year we moved in together! Unfortunately, not all the set has made it this far.
Another set of baubles on the tree is a set of Disney ones! I believe a radio times offer back in the day and they have survived somehow!
The china Robin was a family Xmas day out to Leeds Castle – not quite the day planned as it was pouring down and very cold!!! The castle was lovely, but the outside Christmas market was rather poorly attended - such a shame and don’t think the kids appreciated that one very much!
Cologne Cathedral in a star – beautiful building and a happy weekend in a lovely hotel to explore their Christmas market and see some of the city – the Lovelocks bridge over the Rhine river was fascinating. Until then the river was just a drawing, I had to do in my old O level geography book – now its real.
The reindeer with the Christmas tree is self-explanatory! A visit to the Big Apple – Broadway, trip in a helicopter, staying in the Hilton. Fifth avenue and me getting into the Tiffany store doorway only to have to leave again straight away when the eldest child – then seven decided to kick off. One day I will go again and buy something!! Empire states building and the statue of Liberty. Spending Thanksgiving with my American family. Ethan driving my uncles sit on mower! Lots of memories for this one!
So how about you? Do you have tree ornaments with memories? Make sure to discuss them if so with your nearest and dearest this year. Or you can tell me about yours here by leaving a comment and an image! Happy Christmas all <3
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