Today was Christmas tree decorating day.  It is always nostalgic for me.

Our tree is old fashioned in that we continue to use all the ornaments from Christmas’ past.  Don’t get me wrong.  I love, love, love the beautiful “put together” trees, but what we have is what we have.

That being said, as I place each ornament on the tree, stories fill my head.  I remember who gave me the ornament, or who made it.  In my head, and sometimes to Ever-Lovin, I repeat the stories of each ornament.  Ever-Lovin’  is kind and listens. (As he does every Christmas.)  Sometimes he joins in the remembrances , and that is my favorite part of the day.

We tried to set the mood by playing Christmas music on the TV, but Spike Jones just did not do it for me.

One of the first ornaments I hung on the tree today was from 1975.  Ever-Lovin’ and I used a wood burner and made these Christmas “cards” that year.  (Now I am lucky if we send any cards.)  At that time we had friends in many different states, and we thought this would be a good greeting.  I really can not believe we did this.

The handblown soldier was bought at a Sanger-Harris after Christmas warehouse sale. (We also have a handblown cowboy.)  We stood in line for hours that day to buy a bargain fireplace screen.  The longer we stood in line, the more “precious” things I found to buy.  I do love “crystal” snowflakes.

One of my favorite ornaments (from the Jefferson Group Christmas party ornament exchange) is the cobalt blue glass ornament with the gold Wise Men from Betty Ann.  Be still my heart.

How I love the foil hand of Number Three Son.  I wonder if the church ladies realize how much I have been blessed by this little hand for so many years?

The delicate clear glass present ornament was bought at Dillard’s.  Mercy me!  Each year I am amazed at the glass ribbon bow.

One year the Queen of Teas gave us a Hallmark sweater ornament – friend B.B. needed just the right sweater to wear to a gathering, and we all helped.  What a fun time.

Indian Guides – Black Cloud (Ever-Lovin’)

White Lighting – Number Two Son who had the blondest hair.

The little pewter ornament was given to one of the boys by a neighbor from Germany.  Mary from the Jefferson Group has tatted snowflakes for us for many years.  They are precious to me, and they are always the last ornaments I hang on the tree.

Many many moons ago, dear friend Sheila made this ornament.  It is made from a real egg shell, and I love it.  Sheila is so precise, and everything she does is done very well.

Four of my favorites. – Yes, they are all my favorites.  The angel was from a Living Stones ornament exchange.   The Chrismon was given to me by The Mrs.  She purchased it while traveling in Thailand.  You can buy these Chrismons from World Crafts – an organization that promotes sustainable fair-trade among impoverished people.  Then there is another tatted snowflake from Mary, and a dove painted by my dear friend Jane.  I am blessed!

This beautiful cross was given as a favor at Seth and Jessica’s wedding shower.  I like it.  I love it, and I especially love Seth and Jessica.

Then we have a Superman lunchbox.  Too fun!

Yes, it is getting worse.  At our house we love the movie A Christmas Story – I think it is because I live in a male dominated household – so of course we must have a “leg lamp” ornament.  Oh, my!

Judy gave us this nativity from Bethlehem.  Be still my heart!  To think that this little nativity is made from wood from the area where our Savior was born moves me.  You can also buy these at World Crafts.

I am partial to glass pinecones and ice cycles. I buy them for myself just because.

The Wise Men ornament was bought in Branson, Missouri after seeing the Sight and Sound production Miracle of Christmas.  What a wonderful show.  If you have a chance, do go. (All of their shows are fantastic.)

I know this is getting to be like sharing home movies, so I will stop.

Maybe I will show you just one more.  Please???

Number Two Son.  Isn’t he cute – Thank you again church ladies.

As I have said many times, I am so blessed.  To me this is a wonderful way to begin the holiday season – now if I could only get the rest of the house put back together.  That is for another day.

Blessings to you and yours,

This year I am putting all my Texas and U. S. Capitol ornaments on their own tree, and I also have a tea tree.  I guess you could say they will be coming attractions.  (Please don’t groan.)

Oh, BTW – Number One Son has his ornaments.