the tree

The kids put up the christmas tree last night.  We got our tree the day after thanksgiving.  
It was a cheapie tree for 9.99. 
But once it is decorated -  it's priceless! 
I really enjoy pulling out the box of ornaments and looking at them every year.  
They are a story of our lives together.

Some of the ornaments are vintage glass ornaments from the 50's and 60's- from my childhood  (yes I am dating myself)  
My mom gave them to me when I moved out on my own for my first tree. 

Then, every year, I look for a special ornament for that year.  It has to be special, because it is 'that years ornament'. It can be something cute, something I had never seen before - but it has to catch my eye and is annointed 'that years ornament".
  

Early in my career I made ornaments at Christmas and sold them so I could have spending money at Christmas. Some of those from each year are in the box too.

As I had my children, they got or made an ornament every year too.  They range from dinosaurs when my son was small to handprints, santas, decorated balls, 
to my favorite - a post it note on a paper clip that says "we love you jesus, happy birthday"

I also have ornaments that friends have made and given me.  They too, have special meaning.
This is why I like bringing out the box of ornaments every year and remembering when and where each ornament has come from through our lives :)