A Tree of Memories

by:  Joyce Moseley Pierce

 

My friend, Judy, makes a Christmas ornament every year and includes it in her Christmas card.  It's something small and lightweight so it doesn't add to the postage but it's home made and always something special.  Without fail, for the past 20 years or more, I have received this treasured gift from Judy.

 

The first time my grandkids were old enough to help me decorate the tree, I told them about Judy's ornaments.  Now, when they help decorate, they can usually pick out the ones she's sent me.  This year, they asked, "What did your friend send you this year"?    They know, like I do, that Judy's ornament will arrive.  Like clockwork.

 

This year, reflecting on Judy's faithfulness at sending these ornaments, I really started to think about it.  I don't know that I'm going to start that kind of a tradition, but I do love the idea of a perpetual gift, or a gift that keeps on giving year after year.  An ornament is such a gift because like Judy's ornaments, I am reminded of her and her kindness every time I decorate or even look at my tree.

 

This year, the thought of dragging out all of the Christmas decorations just seemed overwhelming to me.  We put up the tree, hung the decorations, and stood back to enjoy it.   I made the decision right then and there not to decorate much beyond the tree.   The gifts I had bought on clearance last year after Christmas were ornaments, and I decided to start my own tradition of giving ornaments.  Maybe other people, like me, were tired of the clutter.    It doesn't take up any "extra" space and you just can't have too many ornaments on a tree, especially when they trigger thoughts of special friends and times.  I loved the idea of not just having a Christmas tree, but a tree of memories.

 

I was so pleased when this year, it seemed that most of my friends had the same idea.  Many of them brought ornaments and I immediately hung them on the tree.  I had my stash of ornaments for that unexpected visitor who arrived with a gift, and both of us were happy.  My friend, Brenda, stopped by last year to give me "a little something," and I was unprepared to give her anything.    This year, when she called to see if I would be home, I was ready for her!   She gave me a beautiful bell ornament that has Santa's head on the top and a clear glass bell below.  She was a bit embarrassed to point out that the heart clapper said "2006" on it because she bought it last year.  She said, "Well, we were friends in 2006, too, so I didn't think it would matter."  We both had a laugh about that, and then I admitted to her that I had bought my ornament last year, too.   Good friends appreciate the fact that you're practical and sensible!

 

Judy will forever be known for her handmade ornaments.  What will you do to start, or continue, a tradition that will build memories for others?