Many of us have Christmas ornaments with special meanings and memories. Fortunately, I have a lot. Although, the past couple of years, we have shifted our style to a natural and simplistic Christmas tree without traditional ornaments, it doesn’t diminish the notion that those pieces have a special connection to my heart.
One of my favorites is this darling gingerbread that my Mom made years ago. I love that my siblings and I have the same one, but each is personalized. The gingerbread girls either wore a red or green dress, and my brother’s ornament wore pants, a shirt, and a hat in the same red and green color palate. However, my favorite part is that Mom wrote our name on the back. Anything with my parent’s handwriting, to me, is priceless.
In the 70s and early 80s, making ceramics was a popular activity. Mom used to make many seasonal pieces, but these gingerbread kids were the only decorations she made specifically for us. I remember being very excited that we each had our own! Every year since she made them, all 5 adorned our Christmas tree when we lived on Dartmouth Ave. When Mom and Dad moved to a smaller house, she wrapped each ornament in paper towels and gifted them to us.
This particular ornament is special. I’m sure it’s because she made them, the fact that all 5 of us got one that’s similar yet different colors, and her invaluable signature.
If Christmas trees around the world can talk, I bet they could share a story about each ornament! Whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year, I wish you love, peace, and endearing memories that will always stay with you.
