glad tidings

The first felt ornament for December 1^st is on the advent calendar. The tree is up. So are the stockings.

I come a little unhinged this time of year, with my utter love of walking past holiday decorations and storefronts, coming home to the smell of the tree, and turning the dining room table into a craft workshop for the entire month.

And I have come to think that the beginning of the season is the most special. Because every year, I reacquaint myself with the holiday ephemera of years past, and it means something. It means something that I have my childhood ornaments – that my parents cared enough to make them with us in the first place, and then save them for years beyond their life expectancy, and pass them along to each of us. It means something that the skirt I use under the tree is one of my very first sewing projects, with all the visible wobbles to prove it. And it means something that I made the advent calendar with my sister in Tahoe one year, as my niece sat on my lap.

Hauling out the Christmas box – with all these small, happy moments – is a highlight, every year. Here’s to much merriment and meaning this season, for you and yours.

Comments

[Mom]

How well I remember making these somewhat pathetic little ornaments with you over 30 years ago. Sometimes I wish I could turn back the clock to those magical days of Santa Claus, the Advent calendars and countdown chains, the nightly lighting of our Advent wreath and the fighting over who would do what reading in the Mike and Molly Advent book. I absolutely loved decorating for the holidays with everyone under one roof. Though you're all grown and happily scattered now, with wonderfully happy lives of your own, this mother cherishes her Christmas memories as she does the people who shared them with her. xoxoxo

[celestine]

thanks for this peek into the Life of Len. Yes,a gentleman and a scholar. Much much peace Hermes kelly purses

[Blythe]

I'm looking for a "like" button on your mom's comment. Lovely.