Last weekend, Wally was visiting, and I was showing him some of the ornaments on the tree and having him find ones he remembered. Then, we told our stories about them. During our conversation, I called our Christmas tree a memory tree.
And for whatever reason, that really struck a chord with Wally, and he was quite moved. He said that the tree represents your life, and it is beautiful. And I guess I knew that, but never thought of it in quite that way.
The tree does represent our life. There are ornaments that Ward and I remember seeing on our grandmother's trees. There are ornaments from our childhood. There are ornaments that decorated our car after our wedding. There are ornaments made by school friends. There are ornaments made by co-workers, friends, and neighbors. There are ornaments from every place we have lived. There are ornaments made by sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and aunts. There are ornaments from around the world that family and friends have brought us from their travels. There are ornaments that we put on just for the cats. And of course, there are ornaments Wally and Theo made when they were little.
As I think about each and every decoration on the tree, I know that I have had a good life with many blessings, and I look forward to the new memories we will add to the tree this year and in the future.
Until next time...
That is a lovely sentiment attached to your tree. How wonderful to be able to share the memories with your son.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised by his reaction because he had only been mildly interested in the tree before.
DeleteI like that. A memory tree.
ReplyDeleteI think most people's Christmas trees are memory trees to some extent.
DeleteYour memory tree is very special and I'm glad that your son was interested in what the tree represented. :)
ReplyDeleteWith its special ornaments and lights, we're really enjoying the tree.
DeleteMy son hates themed trees, and much prefers trees like yours, that tell a story. I hope you enjoy your memory tree.
ReplyDeleteI pretty much like all Christmas trees, themed or not, but a memory tree is the one for me. I can see a theme tree if you are going to have more than one.
DeleteThe memory tree, I like that. The story of your life in ornaments.
ReplyDeleteI like it, too. :)
DeleteThe tree is beautiful. A memory tree is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThanks. We have a lot of good memories represented on the tree.
DeleteWhat a lovely tree and lovely memories! I love it! And how wonderful that your son appreciates it and the memories.
ReplyDeleteOur tree is a memory tree too, with ornaments from our childhoods and places we have been. Ornaments that our children made when they were little which always get a laugh, like the cardinal our son made, which my husband thought was a rocket ship. Ahh good memories. :D
I could see how a cardinal might look like a rocket ship. :) There are a few things that haven't survived over the years like the reindeer made out of candy canes. After a couple of decades, the candy canes didn't survive. The reindeer was the first thing my son asked about. I guess we could make some more.
DeleteA lovely tree and such memories are great to pass down the generations. I think all us older people have Christmas ornaments with a story behind them.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right. Themed trees weren't much of thing when I was growing up.
DeleteIt's a beautiful tree. We have the same tradition here. Each ornament has a story behind it and I tell them each year when we put the tree up. I like the idea of a memory tree.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a nice tradition, and I'm glad that you enjoy it, too.
DeleteYour memory tree is gorgeous and such a fantastic way to pass on your memories. Happy holidays,
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thanks, Amalia. The tree is a special part of our Christmas.
DeleteLove the sentiment of your tree. Our tree is a memory tree as well, but just from our lifetime. I wish I had some ornaments from my youth. Ours are mostly from our travels.
ReplyDeleteWe collect magnets from our travels, but I may start getting some ornaments. That’s a good idea.
DeleteI love the sentimental trees like that. I always enjoy it when people share the stories behind their ornaments whether that's via blogger or in person. Nick is a Christmas Eve baby, so there are lots of ornaments for his birthday. I only have ones that go back less than 20 years since I was so late to celebrating Christmas. I think that's part of why I enjoy hearing about the history/memories that some people's ornaments have.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have been making your own memory tree over the last 20 years. Have you crocheted anything for your tree?
DeleteI love the idea of it being a memory tree. I've known a few people who have plants or trees they transfer a few ornaments to at the the end of the holidays, so they can have them out for the rest of the year.
ReplyDeleteThat's a fun idea. I know some people leave the tree up all year and change the ornaments out to match the current holiday. I don't do either.
Delete