What a beautiful story! One of my very favorite ornaments is a little woolen sheep that my mom gave to our younger son, Greg, for his first Christmas. I remember my mom saying that she wanted to give him something special, just for him, since he was our second child, and our first child already had a lot of ornaments that were just his. Every time we hang that ornament, I remember how kind my mother was.
Love how the title complements the story! Favorite ornament -- In keeping with your story, my sister-in-law gave me a kangaroo ornament the year I was expecting. Makes me smile every time I pull it from the box!
This is such a wonderful story Justin. It evoked beautiful memories of decorating with my brothers (your dad!) and our parents. It was always such a special time to be together. Thank you for sharing your talents!
Thanks for a great story and fun question! We're a little crazy when it comes to decorating for Christmas. Many years ago, my mother-in-law began giving everyone a clear plastic ornament with a picture of something they accomplished or experienced during the year. We know have a an entire tree filled with these picture ornaments. It's bittersweet to see moments of our lives. But, the real hard part will be when our children leave to start their own homes and take their picture ornaments with them.
So sweet! My favorite ornament was a little red glass heart. I was so attached to this thing that I wouldn't put it on the tree, I would carry it around with me like a toy!
At my old job, we used to have an ornament exchange party where you’d draw numbers to determine who got first dibs at choosing. The year I was last, I ended up with a giant ornament of pink and brown felt shaped like a reindeer head with goofy antlers. In the center was a photo of my coworker looking equally goofy. Every year I hang it on my tree and almost die laughing.
"... accompanied by a story that had been retold so many times over the years that the fine details could be repeated from memory." This is the way of families, isn't it? The stories we tell over and over at the dinner table and at special "tribal" gatherings. We don't even pretend it is the first time we've heard the story. The children would say, "Tell us about the time you set the barn on fire, grandma!" So many stories that tell us where we have been and what we have done during this short visit to the planet. We have to honor them. Another very evocative story, Justin.
Great story. What a precious gift to add to the family. My niece had a baby in October so we are able to enjoy the holidays with a fresh look of life. It's been many years since a baby was present in the family.
What a beautiful story! One of my very favorite ornaments is a little woolen sheep that my mom gave to our younger son, Greg, for his first Christmas. I remember my mom saying that she wanted to give him something special, just for him, since he was our second child, and our first child already had a lot of ornaments that were just his. Every time we hang that ornament, I remember how kind my mother was.
Love how the title complements the story! Favorite ornament -- In keeping with your story, my sister-in-law gave me a kangaroo ornament the year I was expecting. Makes me smile every time I pull it from the box!
This is such a wonderful story Justin. It evoked beautiful memories of decorating with my brothers (your dad!) and our parents. It was always such a special time to be together. Thank you for sharing your talents!
Lovely story, Justin! Are you (and your wife) trying to tell us something, hmmm???
My favorite Christmas ornaments are all of them. Each one has a story, a memory attached.
Lovely story, Justin. The image of the father appearing from behind the tree is really well done.
Thanks for a great story and fun question! We're a little crazy when it comes to decorating for Christmas. Many years ago, my mother-in-law began giving everyone a clear plastic ornament with a picture of something they accomplished or experienced during the year. We know have a an entire tree filled with these picture ornaments. It's bittersweet to see moments of our lives. But, the real hard part will be when our children leave to start their own homes and take their picture ornaments with them.
So sweet! My favorite ornament was a little red glass heart. I was so attached to this thing that I wouldn't put it on the tree, I would carry it around with me like a toy!
Great tale, told well!
At my old job, we used to have an ornament exchange party where you’d draw numbers to determine who got first dibs at choosing. The year I was last, I ended up with a giant ornament of pink and brown felt shaped like a reindeer head with goofy antlers. In the center was a photo of my coworker looking equally goofy. Every year I hang it on my tree and almost die laughing.
A Christmas miracle! It is fun to see the family photos grow over the years. Well done.
Aaaw 💕
"... accompanied by a story that had been retold so many times over the years that the fine details could be repeated from memory." This is the way of families, isn't it? The stories we tell over and over at the dinner table and at special "tribal" gatherings. We don't even pretend it is the first time we've heard the story. The children would say, "Tell us about the time you set the barn on fire, grandma!" So many stories that tell us where we have been and what we have done during this short visit to the planet. We have to honor them. Another very evocative story, Justin.
Great story. What a precious gift to add to the family. My niece had a baby in October so we are able to enjoy the holidays with a fresh look of life. It's been many years since a baby was present in the family.
Heartwarming - a wonderful story!
Love all the classic references here! White Christmas is a long-time fave. And even having a baby adds to the family theme. A heartwarming read.
Another sweet holiday tale! Well done, Justin!