Last weekend, with my grandson “Boo’s”
help, I put up my Christmas tree. It definitely doesn’t look like anything out
of a magazine. My ornaments range from homemade reindeer made out of candy
canes and pipe cleaners to construction paper cut by overzealous preschoolers
with pictures their happy little faces carefully, if crookedly, glued on top.
We also have a tradition of purchasing a dated Hallmark ornament every year—more
than one on years where weddings take place or babies are born.
For me, the process of decorating
the tree is always an occasion of happy memories and a few tears. This year, as
I removed each ornament from its box, I explained the significance to an
over-excited and not-always-interested three-year-old boy who thought the
cheap-o shiny glass bulbs were of more interest than the carefully handcrafted
ornaments. Occasionally, though, his big blue eyes would light up with curiosity.
“This is your mommy when she was
little.”
“Look! It’s Santa Claus.”
“Here’s baby Jesus with his mommy
Mary.”
“This is you when you were just a
bitty baby.”
At one point I pulled out an
American bulldog ornament from a few years ago. “Hey, this ornament looks like
Rubble on the Double,” I exclaimed. (From the children’s show Paw Patrol, for
the uninitiated.)
Boo rolled his eyes. “No, Granny.
That’s a regular puppy.” I stand corrected.
In Yuletide Baby, my December release from Harlequin Love Inspired, my
heroine Heather’s tree tells a story. It’s not decorated with strings of lights
and expensive ornaments. Rather, she’s strung popcorn and cranberries with her
three foster children. When Pastor Shawn enters the picture with baby Noelle, it is Heather’s
tree that first opens his eyes to Heather’s large, caring heart.
Every day since our tree went up
last Friday, Boo comes to me with the same request—
“Granny, let’s go see the tree
that we make-ded.” He’ll flip on the lights and we’ll exclaim in delight at how
beautiful it is. I love sharing his enthusiasm for Christmas, the excitement never dims. And it reminds me that, just like a child, I should always find joy and excitement in the season. We're looking back at a most blessed event, but also forward to our Lord's coming again, and what could be more exciting than that?
Wishing you much joy and delight
during the blessed seasons of Advent and Christmas. May you fall more and more
in love with our Savior Jesus Christ as you take time to remember His humble
birth and the wonderful advent of His return.
And also, if you happen to have decorated a
Christmas tree this year, may you enjoy what you make-ded.
Love Courageously!
Deb
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Ahhh....!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tree, Deb, and what a precious time with Boo as you decorated it. You know, I still have some of those reindeer ornaments made out of candy canes and pipe cleaners, too. ;)
ReplyDeleteI remember when my boys, in particular, were little and we'd walk through the garden center at Walmart after they put out the Christmas stuff. The store used to line the top shelves with decorated/lighted trees. Of course, my boys kept their gazes at eye level. I will never forget that look of awe and wonder on their faces when they finally looked up and saw the twinkling lights.
I'm with you Deb, may we never lose that sense of awe and wonder at this most blessed time of year.
Lovely! The handmade ornaments are ones to treasure. I still have some my grandmother and great-grandmother made years ago.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet tradition, Deb. I know you will always cherish these moments :)
ReplyDeleteI love the homemade ornaments. This year as I was decorating my tree with my granddaughters, I was tell them who made what. They loved it.
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