My right brain has been begging for some "me time" so, I said enough of figuring out all this email and website logistics. I made myself a cup of coffee (with eggnog) and took a big sniff of my essential oil Creative Juice blend and here I go.
Given the season, I thought it timely to write about the holidays. The other day when visiting my grandkids,my mom commented about how she loved to look at peoples' Christmas trees. It dawned on me what a signature "decoration" the Christmas tree is. They are as unique and varied as we are and I suspect there is an unspoken pride when it comes to how we feel about our finest holiday trimming.
I remember my brother's Godmother telling my mom how badly she felt her having to have such ugly Christmas trees. Marie never had any children, her house was immaculate including the garage. Her reality was so different from the rest of the families in the neighborhood. Uncle Wells would triple flock her tree and decorate with the ornaments and gift wrap all in a coordinating color theme. They looked as though they were part of Macy's holiday displays. Marie passed away earlier this year but, will forever remain in our hearts.
My parents, with 3 kids in tow would head out to the lot and choose that perfect tree. Those special ornaments given every year by my grandma and Marie grew in number as we got older. Our masterpieces made in school that year would eventually be retired. I was an expert tinsel thrower following my mom's example. My brothers' "clumps" always needed some adjusting. In my eyes we always had the most beautiful tree.
My kids started the tradition of having their own little trees in their rooms. As we waited for family members to arrive Christmas morning they would have their own, private little gift exchange which comprised of recycled possessions when they were young to "real" gifts as they got older. Those trees represent so much more than a Christmas decoration. For me they are a symbol of the love my children have for each other. That bond still exists between them and is one of life's biggest gifts to me.
This post brought tears to my eyes, it was soooo beautiful! It took me right back to when my cousins and sisters would reinact the manger seen to the song "little drummer boy" by Harry Simione Choir as all of the adults lingered at the dinner table....
Thank you for bringing back truly touching memories!
Gotta get me some of that "creative juice"
Posted by: Susan Lustenberger | Dec 20, 2010 at 04:30 PM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Erin Hurley | Dec 28, 2010 at 10:59 AM