What Are Your Favorite Christmas Items or Traditions?

What are your favorite Christmas items or Traditions?

The other day I was asked for close up photos of our tree and to share some things about our family Christmas traditions.

Well today I’ve got plenty of time so will gladly share with y’all.

There are certain people in my life (my husband Mark being one of them), who’ve said I have no emotional attachment to ‘stuff’. Stuff is just stuff, easy come, easy go is my thought. Well the exception being my favorite Christmas items. A person has to draw the line somewhere!

In the past, Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. It’s not the presents, as gifts have never been the focus for our family. I firmly believe it’s Jesus’s birthday not ours. When my kids were young, I stuck to 3 presents each (same as Jesus got). In our case, the 3 gifts included pajamas, a book and something small they wanted.

We love to focus on blessing others, typically with homemade baking or a craft we’ve made.

Gradually the kids have moved away and at this time of year, Mark works long hours. That’s required us to be flexible and let go of many of our favorite traditions. I definitely miss the anticipation and excitement that comes with having a houseful of family and friends.

This year with Amy having unexpected surgery, we were able to be in Canada in November. This allowed Mark and I the rare opportunity to celebrate Christmas with her gang.

Last week the rest of our ‘kids’ came up for a few hours and we enjoyed a turkey dinner together. No gifts were exchanged because our ‘present’ is … wait for it… to all meet in the Blue Ridge Mountains over Mardi Gras! Woohoo, does it get any better then THAT? It’s going to be our first family vacation together EVER!

Although our Christmas is basically over, this time does allow me to quietly reflect and reach out to others.

For many, Christmas is not a joyous time of year. I know this first hand as today (Dec 22nd) marks 30 years since my first child was born. It was to be our best Christmas ever but instead of coming home, the following day our precious Michael went to heaven.

I’ve never let our loss take away from celebrating Christmas. It is because of the birth of Jesus that I have hope of being reunited with my son. At the same time, I’ve learned to allow myself time to remember, not only Michael but all who’ve lost a loved one over the holiday season…those struggling with loneliness and depression… poverty resulting in no gifts or that special meal.

Although Christmas is now different then in the past, we’re beyond blessed with amazing relationships and love.

Not all our decorations are out this year but we have PLENTY to share with you.

Before adding photos below, Mark and I would like to thank all who’ve supported our Etsy shop this year, encouraged and believed in us and those who’ve prayed. We’ve met some really awesome folks who were once strangers, then customers, now we call them friends.

So from our family to yours, we wish you A Very Merry Christmas!

Blessings,

 

 

 

 

 

This is a LOT of photos but I hope you enjoy. Know many of our friends, especially in Canada, will check out every last one. Also, our daughter Amy hasn’t had Christmas in NOLA IN 7-8 years so she can reminisce.

 

 

Then we’ve got an area that represents our lives in New Orleans, LA. including memories of the year the armadillos destroyed our backyard!

For those who are wondering about Tim Horton’s, it’s Canada’s largest food chain selling coffee, donuts (and Timbits aka donut holes), soups & sandwiches. There are over 3,820 stores in Canada + another 811 in Michigan, NY & Ohio. 8 out of every 10 cups of coffee sold in Canada, are bought at Tim Horton’s.

Memories of our loved ones… wind chimes for my Dad (the last gift he bought me)…mailbox for Mark’s Dad John who was retired from the US Post Office and a bright, fun, Mardi Gras feeling ornament for my best friend Kim who LOVED us and NOLA. Bing Crosby because all 3 loved music and dancing. We’re certain our fathers thought they were back up singers for I’m Dreaming Of A White Christmas. Miss those off-tune voices most at this time of year.

I treasure these little birds that Mark’s dad carved. They were sitting on his workbench when he passed away. Mark has all his daddy’s best qualities… kind, gentle, loving, humble, generous, faithful, loyal and above all else, puts God and family first.

Here are a few more ornaments that we just love. Every single one has a story or a reason that it is on our tree.

 

 

Our nativity scene is a family treasure. I had the basic set since my early 20’s and was long out of production. BUT early in our dating relationship, Mark asked enough questions to know I was missing many pieces. He never mentioned it again. For 11 months this man searched online and purchased all the missing pieces to surprise me (along with an engagement ring) for our first Christmas.

 

These ‘3 wise sheep’ and the ‘shepherds’ were in the first picture Mark ever saw of me. Every year my friend Jennee says how much she loves them. Never know girlfriend, maybe some day they’ll find their way to you!

When decorating on a budget, be sure to check out free printable artwork on Etsy. They have them for every season and holiday and store perfectly in the frame behind picture currently on display.