a family journal

If ornaments could talk, they'd tell a lot of stories each year when we decorate the tree. And I, as mother, remember most of them. Aside from a few generic, glittery "filler" ornaments, each ornament we place on the tree evokes a memory of some sort. Maybe it's one from our yearly Christmas party ornament exchange, or one from a special friend, or one of my many homemade ornaments, which in themselves bring forth memories of a particular "era" of life. (By their craft style they can tell you, just like "big hair," for example, exactly the era in which they were made.) Then there's the ornaments I bought or made for the children as they were growing up. That's why I like to decorate the tree with others around so we can recall these stories together.

This year was particularly joyful as a new generation joined us in decorating the tree. Yes, this will be Little One's first Christmas where she, at 18 months, understands--at least a little--what's going on. In the upper right photo she's looking at an ornament depicting her dad. We created ornaments out of clothespins and scraps of fabric during a memorable Christmas many years ago when the kids were little, we lived in Africa, and the Gardener was very, very sick. Difficult days are often remembered with particular fondness and hold a special place in our history when we can recount how God cared for us and brought us through such a time, to His glory. We continue to hang those less-than-pretty ornaments on the tree, to remember.

And so Little One begins hearing the life stories of her family. Life is good, all the time, but especially at a time like this!

To see lovely mosaics, visit Little Red House.