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.
Thanks, Andrea - and what a beautiful memory! I love how something as simple as an ornament can bring us back to a specific memory/place or remind us of a loved one.
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 so much for reading, Uncle Scott! I always get nostalgic around the holidays. It really is a special time of year, and I feel lucky to have similar memories. 😊
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.
What an amazing idea, Jason. I hear you, it is bittersweet to see moments of our lives, and to see loved ones who are no longer with us. Man, that will be tough! I’m getting sad at the fact my oldest will be starting kindergarten next year. Time really does fly...
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!
Aww, that’s adorable, haha. My favorite decoration happened to be an old set of red plastic bells that would play Jingle Bells. Apparently I used to approach it and ask, “Hey, bells, how about some Jingle Bells?” 😄
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.
They’re the best stories, too - no matter how many times you hear them. I am lucky to have had so many wonderful storytellers in my life. Thanks as always my friend!
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.
Thanks, Andrea - and what a beautiful memory! I love how something as simple as an ornament can bring us back to a specific memory/place or remind us of a loved one.
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!
Thank you so much. A kangaroo ornament! How fun. And what a special memory for you and your family! 😊
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 so much for reading, Uncle Scott! I always get nostalgic around the holidays. It really is a special time of year, and I feel lucky to have similar memories. 😊
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.
Haha! No, no, nothing like that. 😄
I agree with you. It’s difficult to pick a favorite! Thanks so much for reading, Jenise!
Lovely story, Justin. The image of the father appearing from behind the tree is really well done.
Thanks so much, Luke! I really appreciate it. 😃
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.
What an amazing idea, Jason. I hear you, it is bittersweet to see moments of our lives, and to see loved ones who are no longer with us. Man, that will be tough! I’m getting sad at the fact my oldest will be starting kindergarten next year. Time really does fly...
Thank you as always for reading!
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!
Aww, that’s adorable, haha. My favorite decoration happened to be an old set of red plastic bells that would play Jingle Bells. Apparently I used to approach it and ask, “Hey, bells, how about some Jingle Bells?” 😄
😂😂
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.
Thanks, Amie. Haha!! That’s hilarious. 🤣 I’d love to see this photo make an appearance over at the micro mashup!
A Christmas miracle! It is fun to see the family photos grow over the years. Well done.
Thank you, Mark! I love pulling out the old holiday family photos this time of year.
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.
They’re the best stories, too - no matter how many times you hear them. I am lucky to have had so many wonderful storytellers in my life. Thanks as always my friend!
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.
Thank you, Pennie. It’s such a joy, isn’t it? I hope you enjoy the holidays with your newest addition. 😊
I wish you Happy holidays as well.
Heartwarming - a wonderful story!
Thank you so much, Rebecca!!
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.
Mine too. I love Bing Crosby. He was my grandpa favorite, and now he’s one of mine around the holidays! Thank you so much for the kind words.
My pleasure! Enjoyed reading it. :)
Another sweet holiday tale! Well done, Justin!
Thank you so much, Kim! Christmas spirit has taken a firm hold of my being these past couple weeks! 🤣