A Christmas Tree of Love
My 2013 Christmas Tree Full of Cherished Memories
Do you want your Christmas tree to actually hold special memories and not just ornaments bought from a store? Well, it can, and it is never too late to start. However, the earlier you start this process the more cherished memories your Christmas tree will hold as each year passes.
I have many different colors on my tree and they are in no way coordinated. That is exactly what I love about my Christmas tree!
I know that everyone's Christmas tree is special for whatever reason. What follows are the reasons why I believe my Christmas tree holds cherished memories for me.
My Christmas Tree Holds Cherished Memories and Your Christmas Tree Can Too!
Every year when I put up my Christmas tree, a flood of cherished memories comes back to me. As each year passes, my Christmas tree becomes the holder of more and more cherished memories. Why is this the case? It is because I have a designer Christmas tree with the most exquisite ornaments money can buy? No, in fact, it is quite the opposite.
In my family, I am the keeper of the memories. Therefore, as my children were growing up, and as children do, they make things for their parents in school and just in general on different occasions. I kept everything they have ever made me. This is the case with even Christmas ornaments ever since they were very young. Now, much to my delight and joy, my grandchildren are adding to these cherished memories as each year passes, to include special ornaments to place on my Christmas tree.
Do not get me wrong, for I do have store-bought ornaments too. My Christmas tree is by no means a designer tree with everything having to match. However, to me, I could not find a more beautiful Christmas tree to behold than my very own Christmas tree.
Funny Story Behind This Ornament and Sad One Too
The above Christmas paper plate ornament with my son's photo on it in 1997 is extra special to me now. Oh, it was special back in 1997 too, but it was not until just a few years ago that my son told me about what he and his best friend, Jeremy, did on that day. He told me that he and Jeremy had gotten up in front of the class wearing their Santa hats and started singing Aretha Franklin's R.E.S.P.E.C.T song! I can just see him and his best friend doing such, which made me smile and knowing that, makes the ornament even more special for some reason.
On another note, my son's best friend's dad was in the Merchant Marines and each year Jeremy would always look for his dad to return home for Christmas for he would be gone six months at a time and then home for Christmas. Sadly, Jeremy's dad died a tragic death by falling off a ship and was lost at sea! I will never forget that first Christmas after his dad died when he was at our house playing with my son on Christmas morning. After a bit, I told my son we had to get ready to go to his grandmother's house, who was living in Florida at the time. My son did not notice Jeremy's face with one single tear rolling down his cheek. I heard his friend say, "No, I will not have anyone to play with, except my little sister." Then, he mumbled under his breath and said, "Well, my dad should be coming home soon since it is Christmas." That broke my heart into a million pieces. Since Jeremy's dad's body was lost at sea, he never was able to see him, and I guess in his mind, his dad still should have been coming home for Christmas.
My Son When He Was About Seven Years Old
Angel Ornament Made by My Daughter
Oops, the One-Eyed Blue Bear
Gingerbread Cookie Ornament
Ornaments Made and Given by Friends or Family
Handmade ornaments made by friends and family are so very special too. I really love these three here.
Pinecone Angel
Hand Stamped Ceramic Ornament
Paper Fan Angel with Dove
Photo Ornaments Make Special Additions Too Each Year
Whether handmade or bought from a store, photo ornaments add sweet memories to your Christmas tree each year. One can even purchase the cutest photo ornaments from the Dollar Tree for one dollar! There is a great variety and they are all so cute. These ornaments are a lot more special than the expensive ornaments one can purchase for sure, at least to me!
Grandchildren and Photo Ornaments
Ornaments from Traveling Have Special Meaning Too
There are times when one travels, one can pickup a special ornament while on a trip. Many times over the years, while traveling, our family members have purchased ornaments to give to us to place on our Christmas tree.
San Francisco Trolley Car
Yellowstone
Special Ornaments Given by Co-Worker
Several years ago, at one place of employment, the President's assistant made each of us in the department special ceramic Christmas ornaments. She was such a dear lady to do such year-after-year. She had taken a ceramics class and made each one of us special ornaments each year with the year painted on the ornament in gold, and our name painted in gold on the other side of the ornament. How special. I will treasure these just because she was so very thoughtful to take the time to do that for all of us.
Ceramic Angel Head with Green Satin Ribbon
Ceramic Christmas Bell with Red Satin Ribbon
Ceramic Angel
Ceramic Angel
- Our Beloved Pets ~ Will We See Them in Heaven?
My beloved Jack Russell terrier, Cookie, was killed this past Thursday, March 21st. Pets show us that unconditional love, and we humans can learn a lot from them in the short time we have with them.
Our Pets Are Special Members of Our Family Too
Sadly, earlier this year, we lost our Jack Russell Terrier, Cookie, who was killed. We surely do miss her very much. Of course, we want to take time to remember her as well at Christmas.
Cookie Will Be Missed This Year
Meet George, the Newest Member of Our Family, Who Thinks He Is an Ornament
Other Christmas Decorations Made by My Son and Daughter
My son and daughter also made a few other items during Christmas, other than ornaments for the Christmas tree. I thought I would share one my son made, which is a Santa clay pot.
Not pictured here is one of my favorite things my son made me and that is a bowling pin Santa, but poor Santa has had some rough years and need of some repair, so I did not picture him here. However, my son's teacher that year had a great idea for a Christmas craft to make a Santa from a bowling pin. They just painted it red of course, and then used red felt for his outfit and hat and cotton for his beard and hat. They used those stick on button eyes that roll around. Then, finally black felt for Santa's belt. It is awesome!
I know that when your children or grandchildren make something for you it is extra special too and you cherish it as well!
Santa Clay Pot
Even My Husband Has Special Ornaments
The wise man ornament pictured below belonged to my husband's grandmother. His dad had gotten a job with a television station back then around 1965 in Saudi Arabia. We do not know what happened to the rest of the set. His grandmother died a long time before my husband and I were married, and we were married very young at the ages of 18 and 19. I never met his grandmother. My husband said she was the sweetest person he has ever known, and he said that he cannot wait for me to meet her one day. I know I will love her when I do get to meet her one day!
From Jerusalem
My Husband Made this with His own Little Hands When He Was Young
Merry Christmas from My House to Your House
House at Night with Blue Star Visible
- Christmas Love Continues to Spread Throughout HP Town
These are true accounts of how very special love is spreading between HubPages' hubbers to hubbers during this 2012 Christmas season!
My prayer is that all have a blessed and safe Christmas this year. I love you all.
This is a difficult Christmas this year, especially being that my mother died just last year at Christmas on December, 20, 2012. She was the sweetest person I have ever known in my lifetime. I know I will see her again one day, along with my husband's sweetest grandmother. Merry Christmas sweet mother.
Merry Christmas to all! Peace and love, Faith Reaper
POLL
Do you enjoy having homemade or special ornaments on your tree, along with regular ornaments?
Remember the Homeless - Giving Is Priceless. A Beautiful, Yet Powerful, Song and Video.
Hand-painted Nativity On Mantle
© 2013 Faith Reaper
Comments
AUTHORHi Missy,
Thanks for visiting Christmas early! I am glad you enjoyed this hub at this time of year. Yes, I have always just allowed my tree to be what it is with my children and now grandchildren's ornaments and other special little trinkets over the years. I am the "keeper" in the family of the memorable little things that most probably would not care to keep. I guess it's just my thing.
However, I do enjoy seeing a beautiful designer tree too, but not in my home. Once I saw a tree decorated in all blue peacock theme ...it was gorgeous to say the least.
I will never forget that Christmas when my son's best friend lost his dad. I can't forget that little tear running down his cheek. It broke my heart into a million pieces.
You are kind and generous in your commenting. Peace and blessings to you and yours always
I enjoyed reading this hub. I always think how I like the handmade ornaments better than the store bought. It's what Christmas really is all about; time with loved ones and mostly the enjoyment of watching the children's eyes light up with excitement and the pride they show when hanging their homemade ornaments. I think a lot of people have lost this feeling through the years, and it's sad.
Your section about your son's little friend who lost his dad tragically broke my heart. I'm glad he had a home to go to that he felt warm and welcome in.
You are such a good person; I am very humbled and honored to know you now. Take care, many blessings to you and yours.
- AUTHOR
Hi Mekenzie,
So lovely to see you here! I am so happy that you have dropped by to say Merry Christmas. I hope and pray you and your lovely family had a wonderful Christmas with continue blessings through the New Year and always. I love your new profile photo. You are beautiful inside and out.
I think placing ornaments which have significant memories attached to them on one's tree, makes it even more special at Christmas.
Thank you for sharing about the ceramic angel your sister made. I know it is beautiful and special to you.
God bless you too, dear Mekenzie. Yes, the real reason for the season to have great celebration ...for Christ is born!
Love and Hugs to you too!
Hi Faith, dropping by to say Merry Christmas to a beautiful friend who shines so brightly. Great ornaments - I have an ornament on my tree just like your ceramic angel - my sister made it for me. My tree is also filled with treasures from years gone by.
God Bless you Faith and I pray you are blessed as you reflect on the reason for the season. :)
Love and Hugs!
Mekenzie
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear CrisSp,
Thank you so much for the enthusiastic comments! You are so kind and most generous.
Yes, I do not go for too matchy, matchy, but whatever comes up during that particular Christmas, I add it to the tree. LOL However, I love looking at others who do the designer trees. One time I had a friend who has a peacock feather tree! It was stunningly beautiful. I think adding little tokens or ornaments with sentimental value just makes the tree special and uniquely yours. Hahaha, yes, that tiny stocking of my husband's when he was a little tike ... well, his mom gave it to me as she kept it and so I add it to our tree and tell the grands that is their Paw Paw's stocking. They love it. I am the keeper in the family. When I leave this earth and go to my true home, I will have to figure out if anyone would want to continue on with being the keeper ...
I appreciate the vote up and more and funny, plus pinning and sharing!
Merry Christmas and blessing to you and yours
I am absolutely pinning and sharing this wonderful hub.
Beautiful pictures and memories of Christmas past. I enjoyed reading accounts of both touchy and funny experiences of your family. Oh, and that Christmas stockings of your husband? Wow, that's a treasure! You are indeed a keeper.
Up+++ funny included.
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear Jo,
Yes, it will be here before we know it! Where has this year gone? Woo, now your Italian ham sounds scrumptious ...
Bless you
Faith, I've already commented on this wonderful hub, but It's a good time to take another look, I'm getting in the mood for Christmas. My Italian ham just arrived. :)
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear Vellur,
Thanks for going all the way back to Christmas here : ) ... Yes, I am not one for using just regular old ornaments when I have my children and grandchildren's lovely handmade ornaments to adorn the tree. I guess this is one hub I should unpublish until it is closer to Christmas.
I noticed I had two spam comments before your comments that I missed from three months ago LOL Had to take care of those!
Blessings always
Memories are treasures of life and adorning a Christmas tree with these special memories is an awesome idea, great pics and enjoyed reading.
- AUTHOR
Oh, yes, dear VVanNess, it would be a perfect time to start such a tradition, being you are starting your family! I just know you will have a lovely lifetime of cherished memories to fill your tree as each year passes. I am so glad you stumbled upon this Christmas hub as it is timeless when it comes to cherished memory-making! Hugs and blessings to you and your family, Faith Reaper
I know it's not Christmas any longer, but I was wandering through your articles and happened upon this one. I couldn't help but read it! :) I really think that this is such a beautiful idea. I definitely want to start adopting this tradition in my family next year, especially with a little one on the way!
Thank you for the beautiful article.
- AUTHOR
Oh, thank you so much, dear Marlene (lovedoctor), I appreciate your kind words here. Yes, I guess I am a bit on the sentimental side by being a keeper of the memories so to speak. I do not concern myself too much with everything having to match perfectly on my tree obviously, which makes it unique to me and my family. One year right when I had placed the very last ornament on the tree, the whole tree came tumbling down and several glass ornaments were broken! That is when my daughter did go out and buy some really beautiful new ones, so I do have those in addition to the homemade ones by my children and grandchildren. So, they, too, actually have special and funny memories connected to them due to the whole tree falling down right when I placed the last ornament on it. LOL ...but it wasn't too funny at the time. It is always so nice to have you stop by to read and I hope you are doing well. Hugs, Faith Reaper
Faith, this is another one of your most creative hubs. I really enjoyed this piece. Every single one of these memories have a special and sentimental value to you. I really like the Christmas paper plate ornament with your son's picture: meaningful & sentimental at the same time. Your Christmas tree is beautifully decorated. The thumbprint rhyme made by your daughter when she was little is so cute. I like all the ornaments. thank you for sharing this video on the homeless. I'm sure that you have fond memories of your mother that will always stay in your heart. God Bless you. Doc
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear Maggs from Sunny Spain,
So glad for your visit here this day! I am glad you found this to be a delightful hub. Yes, family and friends are truly treasures! I appreciate the vote up and more.
Blessings to you and yours,
Faith Reaper
What a delightful hub, I love your Christmas decorations, they capture our real treasures in this life so well. Thank you so much for sharing this with us :D
Voting up and hitting the relevant buttons on my way out :D
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear Devika,
So lovely to see you this day reading! I hope you had a good New Year's holiday and I pray the entire new year holds many blessings and much love for you.
I appreciate the wonderful comments you have left here. Yes, Christmas is a wonderful time to be with family and friends.
I hope you had a lovely Christmas too.
Blessings, Faith Reaper
Wow! Incredible photos and memories you did this so beautifully. Christmas time brings everyone together and it is a pleasant time to be with those you love and share memories.
- AUTHOR
Aw, that is so kind, Dear Deb. Thank you so much for the lovely comments. You're the best! You are most welcome anytime, if you are ever over this way.
Hugs,
Faith Reaper
So many extra special personal things that you have shared. It almost made me feel like I spent the day with you.
- AUTHOR
Aw, Dear drbj,
Wow, what generous comments dear one! I love them and you too of course. Yes, I am one who tends to keep such mementos. I even have a little basket with tiny little flowers in it and cellophane and Styrofoam in the bottom of it, sitting on the back of my toilet next to a painting of a cat, made by my son ...lol. I guess I am a real sucker for that kind of stuff to say the least!
I appreciate your wonderful and kind comments about my tree and grandchildren.
Hugs and much love to you and I hope the New Year holds many blessings to come for you and yours,
Faith Reaper
I have never, ever seen a more lovely, loving and beautiful Christmas tree than yours, Faith. I am so happy for you that you saved all those wonderful mementos throughout the years and now have a tree replete with amazing memories. Your tree is the very best kind. Trust me. Hope your holiday is amazingly lovely, too.
BTW, your grandchildren are very photogenic. But I'm not surprised!
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear quildon,
Thank you so much for reading and leaving such thoughtful comments. I do pray that as well! I hope and pray your Christmas was lovely and your New Year is full of many blessings!
I appreciate the votes up.
Blessings, Faith Reaper
Faith, what a lovely, unique hub! Your loving and caring nature, love for family, friends and love for God all come shining through in this hub. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and I pray that you continue to create warm and loving memories together as the years go by. Voted up, useful, beautiful and sharing.
- AUTHOR
Hello Deborah Sexton,
Thank you so much for reading. I appreciate the kind comments.
Merry Christmas to you too,
Faith Reaper
Your tree, children, and grandchildren are beautiful
Happy Holidays!
- AUTHOR
Aw, there she is, my sweetest friend, Maria!
Merry Christmas beautiful one. Thank you so much for your continued encouragement and love. Your commenting is always generous and kind.
Love and Peace to you and yours this day!
Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Merry Christmas Dear MsDora!
Thank you for always reading and leaving your wise and insightful comments.
May God bless you and yours this day and all year long!
Peace, Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Well, dear friends, I am starting to fade out again, after this long day on my feet all day cooking and such. I will try to catch up here early in the morning, as I have to get up early to make a pineapple casserole to bring to my father-in-laws' house. It is very good, full of a lot of good things like butter, Ritz crackers and the like, very heart-healthy ... not!
Hugs and I hope your Christmas Day tomorrow is joyful and full of peace,
Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Hi Jo (Lady Fiddler) again! LOL, yes, something certainly terrified her about Santa back then. She is over it now ... hahaha
Well, one truly never knows about my son's best friend. Yes, he is grown now, and I just hate to think he grew up without his father these rest of his years! Fathers are so important in this life of a child, especially a boy!
I bet you would make a great detective! Enjoy your boxing day : )
Hugs and love,
Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Aw, now, dear Frank, I just left you a really sweet return comment for your really sweet and thoughtful comment ... and it disappeared ... so now I am having trouble. Here it goes again. Thank you for taking the time to let me know that precious heart! That is like receiving a Christmas gift from you! I have really enjoyed reading your thrillers too and your friendship online or via HP! I am blessed that you follow me and I get to read your work. I am glad you just had to let me know and I am thankful that you think this hub is wonderful. You are so kind and generous in your commenting, and I love it : )
Thank you for trying to get back on to share this hub. I appreciate you. You're the best.
(((Hugs))), much love and peace to you this Christmas Eve,
Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Oh, thank you so much, dear Alicia for leaving such lovely comments. Yes, I love a Christmas tree full of sweet memories, love and meaning, and I am glad this tree conveyed those very things!
I do hope you have the best Christmas ever too, and thank you so much for sharing this hub! You're the best.
Peace and blessings,
Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Dear tirelesstraveler, Oh, I am so sorry about the bah hum bug day precious heart ... but I can understand why with your family away from you! However, I am so glad this hub provided some encouragement! Thank you for sharing that with me. Oh, now I surely would love to be right there with you as a shepherd too near Bethlehem when the angels announce the birth of Jesus. That sounds awesome to run to worship. They had enthusiasm. Yes, let's get that enthusiasm back!!! Can you even imagine that night, especially when the heavenly host of angels appeared! Whew, what a night!!!
Many hugs, love and peace to you on this Christmas Even night!
Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Dear Jo (tobusiness),
Aw, thank you so much for leaving such thoughtful comments. Yes, I do love my family! Sometimes we forget how much we love them and how much they mean to us, but when I see those ornament and old photos, a lifetime of joy fills my heart and I realize just how truly blessed I am.
LOL, I do not know about George being the perfect angel, but he is sweet and just had to check out that tree. I am glad he got it out of his system before we put the actually ornaments on the tree! So far ... only one broken ornament LOL ... so that is very good. When everyone showed up at the house today, he disappeared. We could not find him anywhere ... I guess there was just too much excitement for him. Then after all left, he came out of hiding after about 20 minutes LOL ... pretty smart cat : )
Blessings, love and peace to you and yours.
Merry Christmas,
Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Hey everyone, had the whole family up this Christmas Eve and it was a day full of joy, but I am worn out for sure. Whew ... the three grands had a fun-filled, joyful and surprising time, with lot's of good food.
What is neat about our little town each year, at 6:30 p.m., Santa comes riding along in the fire truck with Christmas music blaring and he throws out a little gifts when he stops right in front of our house to our three grandchildren. They were so excited as you can hear the music for miles heading our way. They do it up right. That is what makes this town so special, doing little things like that for the people in the town.
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas Eve, with lots of joy and/or nice quiet peace ...
I see, I am behind on commenting here and I do so appreciate all here taking time out to comment, especially on Christmas Eve and earlier. I was so tired the other night and falling asleep at the computer, I could not finish commenting. So, I will attempt to catch up to all the lovely comments. You all are the best of the best and I am so blessed to know each one of you ... please know how much you all mean to me!
Merry Christmas,
Faith Reaper
Dear Faith,
This is such a personal and beautiful collection of photography and recollections that I am assured that our Christmas trees indeed hold special memories.
The ceramic collection from your co-worker is stunning and I think George has stolen the show for sure. You family is beautiful and loving as is your home.
May you and yours have a peaceful and blessed Christmas. Love. Maria
The handmade ornaments are lovely. You managed to present an article of love and warmth with the kind of Christmas joy, precious memories and kind deeds we could use all year round. Thank You!
My neighbours had a cat who were climbing their tree so they put their ornaments only on the top of the tree.... they told me that for years their tree just look ridiculous ;-) My younger cat (2 and half years old) is biting the end of the branches this year.... I put some oregano oil but it doesn't seem to annoy him. Some of my other cats eat pieces of silvery garland..... the result in the litter box were quite interesting :-)
Our pets can bring so much in our lives and Christmas is certainly a nice time to remember also those who left us!
Merry Christmas to you and your loved one!
LOL so i was right about that angel eh i guess the baird frighten her the long white hair ha ha ha poor chile ! Yes i am grateful for the holidays Christmas and Boxing day whoooooppppppaaaayyyy.
Hmmm i can be a detective i just feel someone threw him overboard or killed him and dispose of the body hmmm and in the ocean you can lost the land because there's more sea than land.
Oh well i hope your sons best friend has gotten over his father's death by now .
Enjoy your holidays to deary and thanks
Happy Holidays Faith.. I tried writing a comment on this page and the working button kept spinning then clicked error.. But I wanted to make sure you knew how I enjoy your work.. :) the memories.. good bad and dramatic that each ornament gives can spill and spin a story all on its own.. The saddness, the happiness, the looking back at your life's diary vis chirstmas tree.. what a wonderful hub sweet faith.. just had to let you know :) Ill try to get back on it to share it
- AUTHOR
Hi Wetnose,
Thank you so much for visiting and reading all about my Christmas tree full of sweet memories! George is a he and my granddaughter named him. If he were a she, she would probably have been named Sally, as that is my oldest granddaughter's favorite name for female pets. I do not know where she came up with George, but he is very curious! LOL
I appreciate your kind comments as relates to my sweet mother. Yes, I believe she is and smiling the whole time too.
Merry Christmas to you and the entire wetnose gang,
Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear Genna,
Thank you so much for reading and leavening such lovely comments. I hope you and yours have a very blessed Christmas and a great New Year ahead too.
Hugs and much love,
Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear Joelle (Kidscrafts),
I am not surprised one bit that you have loads of these types of ornaments on your tree! I love that you even have some of your cats on your tree, which I do need to make amends on my tree too to include George, Lucky, and Kitty, all of our past cats. Plus, there is always, Bear and many other pets. I may just have to have a pet tree, hmmm ... that would be awesome too! George seems to stay out of the tree when the lights are off, so maybe most of the ornaments will survive this year LOL!
Merry Christmas sweet friend,
Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Hi Jo (LadyFiddler),
So happy to see you here this day! LOL, as a matter of fact, my daughter was terrified of Santa ... at my work place way back then, we had a man who actually looked like Santa with the beard and all, and he played Santa every year and the company took family photos with their children and Santa in front of a huge Christmas tree made from Poinsettia plants, it was beautiful, except for the terror part LOL. And every year, bless her heart, I had photos of her screaming in terror of Santa! So, you are right, she may very well have been thinking of Santa. LOL I just looked at the back of that angel, which there is another angel with brown hair and wising everyone a Happy New Year and it does not look afraid. LOL
Well, on the sad note about my son's best friend's dad, no one really knows except that he did fall off the ship, and his body was never found. My heart just breaks for his son, especially, with him thinking back then that his dad was coming home for Christmas, as he always had before. You are right about evil in this world, and one never knows!
Well, I do hope you have a lovely Christmas, even if you say you do not do Christmas, you can celebrate Jesus!!!
Hugs and much love,
Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear Flourish,
Yes, I, too, love looking at other people's Christmas trees for it truly does give a lot of insight into the person or family. Yes, I love being the keeper of the memories and I just cannot get rid of anything my children or grandchildren give me! I did have one photo on here that I removed, but it was of a simple little wooden apple, that my son painted with red paint and it has the year he did so on it, but the paint it peeling and it looks terrible, but I still have it on my tree, but decided to remove it from this hub before publishing, as I am the only one who could appreciate such still! LOL
Yes, George, did find his way to our tree right away LOL, and he went straight to the top and fell asleep. I have another photo of him asleep in the tree, where his head can only be seen. LOL, I love your George Clooney, the one with the movie star looks! My granddaughter named our George when she first saw him as a tiny kitten, and so that is his name.
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Faith Reaper
This is a beautiful hub, Faith! I love the ornaments that remind you of your family. There is so much love on your Christmas tree. That's exactly how I think a tree should be decorated - with love, memories and meaning. I hope you have a very merry Christmas. I'll share this hub.
Beautiful.
I am having a bah humbug day; this was an encouragement. My eldest and the grandchildren are three states away. The youngest is working retail, and house/dog sitting for his brother. The middle moved out in September. I read forums and see how truly empty some people are and all I can think of is,"Why make that choice" . I just want to be one of the shepherds near Bethlehem when the angels announce the birth of Jesus. I want to run to worship. They had enthusiasm.
Hi Faith, I can clearly see what Christmas means to you, your strong religious faith is evident in your every action, but this shows your deep love of family.
Great hub, lovely images, thank you for sharing so much with us this Christmas, you have a beautiful home and George is the perfect angel at the top of the tree. :) My best to you and your wonderful family.
Once again, have a great Christmas!!
Beautiful ornaments and memories. George looks like he(or did I read once George is a she?) wants to stay right there.
Be strong in the memories of your mother. She is smiling and not hurting.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
Hello Faith…
What a lovely and warm, home…and decorations! :-) I love the ornaments on the tree. Just beautiful, Faith. Hugs and many blessings to you and your family this Christmas and the coming New Year.
Beautiful hub, Faith! Indeed, each ornament can be a precious reminder of a special time or a special someone! I have all kind of those in my tree and they have their special place! It's a time to reflect also on some precious people who were once in our lives and are now gone. I even have an ornament with pictures of some of my cats :-)
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Very nice and creative idea Faith, Lush why does that first angel your daughter made looks like she is frighten, maybe she was afraid of Santa ha ha ha ha. Your son is very cute and sorry to hear about Jeremy's dad death, makes me wonder if he fell off the ship or if someone threw him, off can never tell in this evil world we live in. Someone always envy you sometimes they don't even have a reason to.
Have a bless evening just now it's 4 pm i can't wait to buss it from here
What a beautiful hub chock full of lovely homespun memories. I so enjoy looking at other people's Christmas trees, as they provide insight into their lives and what is special to them. You can tell how important family and friends are to you. I'm so glad George found his way to your tree. I have a George, too, who looks much like yours. (Mine is called George Clooney because he's got movie star looks and a personality to match.) Have a very Merry Christmas, sweet Faith Reaper.
- AUTHOR
Aw, dear Eric, thank you so much for sharing. Wow, what a blessing of coming from a big family. Your mother and I sound a lot alike! Those memories are what makes the heart leap for joy indeed. Yes, I am glad we have room for a large tree too with the 12' ceilings in some areas and 10' ceilings in others. Our dining room with the very large window in the front of the house has the 12' ceilings and for years before we got a proper dining room table, I would put the Christmas tree in there, which I really loved as one could see it from the street. Now it is in the living area which has 10' ceilings, so I have a 9' foot tree. I am so glad this hub brought back wonderful memories for you! Peace and blessings to you and yours, Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Aw, thank dear suzzette ...you are my sweet and gifted friend! Yes, it truly does sound like we are just alike in being keepers of the cherished memories! At first each year, in thinking about unpacking all the decorations, I get a bit overwhelmed and then when it comes to the tree, all of that just goes away when I see all of those cherished ornaments that bring back a lot of memories and my heart is then full of joy once again for the season. I do love placing that special nativity, front and center, on the mantle too. Wow, I am so glad this hub is your favorite of my hubs and that you so enjoyed reading this hub! Merry Christmas dear suzzette, sweet friend, Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Merry Christmas dear Bill, yes, with that high pitched roof in some areas it does indeed. When it is not Christmas, I do place a large ornamental cross above that large area over the garage. It has a beautiful patina to it now from being out in the weather. I have it placed under my front porch right now with Christmas flowers on it since I have that big star with blue lights above the garage during Christmas where the cross normally would go. I bet people may think it a church when they see that cross up there. Yes ...I am not one to have everything on the tree to match and be designer, although those are exquisite too. It just means more to me to have the cherished handmade or photo ornaments on the tree, or even those from traveling. That is just me. Thank you for the kind words. It has been raining so much these past days that it was hard to get any good outside photos. Peace and blessings to you and yours, Faith Reaper
With six children we had 6 new ornaments every year -- meaning hand made. And my mom was a major antique-er. So each year we also got one new-old one each.
Good thing we had room for a 12 ft. Tree.
Faith you always bring me back home for wonderful memories. Muchas Gracias
- AUTHOR
Hi sweet and cherished friend, Jackie, thank you so much for leaving such kind comments and I am glad you found this hub to be beautiful. Yes, there are so many memories I truly cherish that come flooding back each year when I decorate my Christmas tree. Yes, lol, George did not like being disturbed while asleep in the tree and he has been playing some with certain ornaments, and so far only one broken one! We did go out and get him one of those cat tree posts to climb on, but of course he does not give it a second look and it is a nice one too! We may need to put some catnip on it lol. That is a lovely thought about our mothers dear friend. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Hi Dear Joseph, I am so glad to see you here this day, especially so close to Christmas! I pray all is well with you and yours. Yes, time has flown this year indeed! I cannot believe it has been a year already since my mother went on to be with the Lord last Christmas. Thank for leaving such lovely and kind words as always. I appreciate you being there for support last year after my mother died. Merry Christmas to you and yours and may God bless you. In His Love Always, Faith Reaper
Faith: We are very much alike in many ways! After reading this hub I feel you are a friend indeed. First of all what a lovely, house, home and Christmas tree you have. I do a similar Christmas tree with all the ornaments having a special meaning in my life - either made or given to me by someone special. It truly is wonderful to share the memories at Christmastime. I also put a nativity scene on my fireplace mantle. It is a wonderful place and centerpiece of the home and then the season centers around the real reason for Christmas. Thanks for sharing your home and Christmas tree and especially your wonderful memories with us. I so enjoyed reading this. One of my favorites of yours.
Your house looks like it was once a church. What a lovely home. Faith, I completely agree. The memories of a lifetime are on a tree in the way of ornaments....such wonderful memories. I could never understand people going out to buy ornaments that came twelve in a box and all looked the same. :) Anyway, a beautiful article and Merry Christmas to you my friend.
bill
So beautiful Faith and you have shared so much including your family. Your family and house is very beautiful and it is a very special thing you have going with the keepsakes.
Now your cat looks a little peeved he has been woken from a tree nap, I bet he is playing havoc with it now and all the ornaments on it? Just making Christmas memories, that really is what it is all about. Gorgeous pictures!
May our mother's be getting acquainted in our heavenly home this Christmas my sweet friend.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. ^
So I'm one of the first to comment..? I see the hand of your mother and her heart in this hub. I certainly feel your love for the world and your friends. Some tears might roll down for the departed and those families overseas. I enjoyed thoroughly your Christmas tree, Faith! For some reason I came and stopped by. I admire your love for our creator and is shown in this tree. Family is so important and you share your memories with us. Whew! Time really flies! I wish you the best for this Christmas and the new year! A prayer for your beloved Mom and 'Cookie.'
"Jesus Christ was born this day
So many years before
He came a servant to the lost,
Though he was Lord of Lords"
63