I love decorating the house at Christmas. I’ve amassed quite a collection of decorations over the course of time, and I’m excited to bring them out each year…not just for the colour they bring to an Ottawa winter, but for the warmth of their memories, too. Here are a few of my favourites:
There’s Noel, our Christmas angel, purchased for me by my mother when I spotted her (and fell in love) the last time Mom and I ever went Christmas shopping together. Noel is the name stamped on the bottom of her stand…we think it suits her.
Then there’s Frosty, a snowman I found on a discount table after he’d lost his nose. There was something so sad about him, I just couldn’t bring myself to leave him there. To this day, he brings a smile to my face every time I pass him on his shelf. I’m certain he’s grateful for his home with us…and for the inked-in nose I gave him. 😉
I have a small collection of Santas, all of which are beautiful, but this one is my favourite because of the memories he carries. My dad was an avid fisherman his entire life, and the year after we lost him to cancer, I gave this Santa in a canoe to my mom in his memory. Now that she’s gone, too, fisherman Santa graces our mantle every year. I like to think Dad would approve. 🙂
Handmade for us by a very dear friend (and the godmother of our two oldest girls), this paper angel and her clay-pot toy soldier stand together every Christmas. I’m pretty sure they’ve been a part of our family for about 20 years now.
Another handmade gift, this one from my mother. Made entirely of safety pins and clear beads (with lights stuffed inside), this little tree is the epitomy of bright, sparkling warmth…just as Mom was.
And finally, this wreath, given to me by friend I went to school with (way back in what seems like another lifetime). Despite one of the little bows being somewhat mouse-damaged, it’s held up well for more than twenty years…and it brings a smile to my face every time I hang it. 🙂
How about you? Do you have a favourite memory tucked in amongst your holiday decorations? Tell me about it in the comments! 🙂
P.S. Have you entered my holiday giveaway for a print copy of Gwynneth Ever After yet? Better hurry…draw ends Sunday, December 15 at midnight!
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