Every year around Thanksgiving I give the kids their Christmas ornaments and on the back of each one I tell them what I love the most about them, and then date it. They can hardly wait to put up the tree because as we are putting up the tree we talk about what has gone on through the years. I figured after 11 years my son would be tired of hearing the same old stories but he loves it as much now as he did when there were only a few ornaments. In fact, this has worked so well we have extended it to all of our nieces and nephews. They look forward to getting their ornament on or close to Thanksgiving. I have every ornament from the time I was born until now. My oldest ornament is just about on its last leg but every year she is the first ornament to go on and ranks right up to the top of the tree with our angel. We have also started putting on ornaments for those who have passed in the year so this way we know at least once a year they are thought of.
After the kids wake up we all meet in the hallway with a birthday cake. As we are walking to the Christmas tree one person puts in front of the tree a nativity scene and we all sing happy birthday to baby Jesus. Then we all take turns saying what we are giving
Christine Johnston
We began the tradition of collecting snapshots from throughout the year, and then turning them into Christmas tree ornaments. We even bought a small, 4-foot tree just for our baby daughter. Each year, we will add new ornaments, and she will be able to see how much she has grown and changed over time. Each picture that we choose has a memorable story to go with it, so we can reminisce when she asks about them as she gets older. We also want her to realize that she is the greatest gift we ever could have asked for. We hope to carry on this tradition for all of our future children as well. Today's Christmas celebrations seem so hurried and rushed, but this tradition helps us to slow down and savor the moments every time we look at the beautifully decorated tree.
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