Sentimental Journey.

It is time to Fa La La, and I am doing OK

The pages of my life seem to be turning very quickly. It seems like we just put that "stuff" from Christmas away, and then, pow, that season comes upon us again.  So, it is time to dig in, accept that another year has passed and get with the program.  So down to the basement I went, checked out the numerous boxes of decorations, and sat down on the floor and considered my options.  Why do I have all these containers? I gave so much away last year, and there is still too much.  Should I open them all?  If I don't see them, I won't feel the need to use them.  I decided to just look at the tree ornaments.  Many of the them are inscribed with dates.  Some have the names of people who have passed on and who once gifted me these.  Tears started to fall.  Yes, those from my mom will definitely go on the tree.  Then I came across a container labeled "special ornaments".  These are the ones that my children made or bought for me.  Who couldn't love a tin ashtray from a bowling ally of the late 70's. There was also the hanging lady, created by my oldest daughter and made out of pipe cleaners. They are smoke'n aren't they?  How times have changed.

There was one of a felt tree that was decorated with glue and buttons. The writing is faded and I could not make out the name of the artist, but it made me emotional anyway. I came across the paper 3D snowman that my baby daughter made at age 7.  That definitely must go on.

I have many beautiful and some expensive ornaments that I have collected over the years.  I do love their sparkle and am always so happy to display them.  They give me joy also so they go on and join these others that for some years were only displayed on the sides and back of the tree. 
 
 I also found a box full of Christmas cards that were sent to us on our first anniversary.  I read through each and every one.  People in those days tended to write notes and, again, I cried.  What a sentimental old lady I am but I will admit that am glad that I saved them.  50 years later I can still remember some of those people like it was yesterday. They will remain forever young in my mind.

Nothing much got done that day as I ended up opening all of the containers and deciding that maybe I will use everything.  Then I rethought it, considering that what goes up must come down and it is the coming down that I hate.   Half will be enough. 

While decorating, an ornament that my Mom gave me, fell and broke.  That hurt and I wanted to fix it but there are many things in life that can't be repaired and we have to move on and accept loss.   What is in my heart, will stay in my heart till its last beat.  The reminders of the past and the joys we had at this season of the year are part of me and I think my tree tells a lovely story. 



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I wish you all a wonderful holiday, full of smiles and contentment.  We all celebrate these days differently but it is the same message of peace and love that we seek. It has been a difficult year for many of us and there might be some more hard days ahead.  Take this time to be grateful for what you have and try to find some time to give to others who aren't as fortunate.  It is through giving that we get the most joy.

Also, like my bottle holder frog,

Make Merry