One of my earliest childhood (holiday) memories includes making the trek to the tree farm to chop down our Christmas tree. My brother and I would ride with my mom, and I can still feel the tangible excitement in the air, & the bump in the dirt road.
We would scour the rows of trees until the perfect one was found, and after a little sawing, the tree was loaded up and brought into our living room.
I remember watching my mom pay attention to every detail, and helping her hang the tiny porcelain ornaments. I think sometimes she might be a little sad when she sees our tree decorated a little differently than hers (she’s a colored light lady).
But what I hope she notices is that she raised another mama who (hopefully) is helping create those memories for her little ones. She taught me about the Hope of Christmas…
and of the Magic it brings to families everywhere.
And I’m not sure if I’ve ever told her, but every. single. year. as I string the lights or hang the ornaments or bake the same cut-out decorated cookies she made for me, I am overwhelmed with my love for her.
I’m crying a little now just thinking of her, of what she means to me.
I hold close the memories I’m making with my little ones, as I know there will be a year in our future where I may have to put up this tree alone (sorry for the year away in college, mom!)
But with a little luck and a lot of Blessing, I’ll be fortunate enough to watch my little ones have little ones of their own.
And I’ll get to experience the Magic all over again.
Merry Christmas and lots of magical wishes for you and yours this Holiday season.
Sweet words. I’m sending you a hug.
Merry Christmas!
-Angie
That was beautiful and made me tear up as well! My mother has been fighting cancer for the last year and things are not good. Cherish these times….I read your blog so I know you do. 🙂
Blessings,
Nancy
What a beautiful post for your mom! I have a lot of strong Christmas memories associated with both of my parents that I hope to share with kids of my own someday.
Wow, you know how to hit it on the head. What would we do without our moms. They have taught us so many things. They are wonderful. The memories of Christmas past are so much fun. I am an only child, and I hold all my memories with my mom and create new ones with her every year. This year we made candy…the “we” was actually with my 4 yr. old grand daughter and my daughter in law and my mom. I am not a candy maker, ( something my mom loves to do) but have learned to share the time with my mother and enjoy every minute we have together. Merry Christmas to you and your family. 🙂
I experience much the same feelings each Christmas, which is a sweet thing for me. You see, I lost my mom on Christmas Day seven years ago, and then I had a choice to make. Would Christmas be defined by my loss, or by her legacy? While I miss her so much, her legacy to our family is so much greater than our loss could ever be. Thanks for reminding me of this.
I always when to the Christmas Tree farm with my family. This year we were too busy to go to a farm and had to just go to a lot to pick one out. I do want to share the special tradition of going out and cutting down our our tree with my children when I have some one day. Thanks for sharing your tree.
You should take a look at mine: http://www.lovejoypeacecreate.com/1/post/2012/12/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-christmas.html
Kristiann
Growing up we always had the “fake” trees! But the one time I remember going to a tree farm was with you and Mrs. Lisa and her driving that big truck (oh so many years ago!)
Mrs. Lisa is an amazing woman! Beautiful inside and out!
Well…I cried too!!!! Thank you so very much for your sweet, kind words about me! You know we are all so busy getting things done and we forget that people are watching! You and your brother are our greatest blessings and we are so thankful for you every day!!! You make me so proud to be your Mom!
It’s true… even though we change as adults, a part of our moms show through in our Christmas trees. We always had real trees growing up, and my husband and I want to do that as well. If I weren’t due with a baby in two weeks, this year would have been our first year! But luckily I get my fill with pictures of trees like yours!
Beautiful post.
Very pretty Shaunna! Hope all is going well with your family and your business 🙂 I am sure you are super busy. Hopefully you all are adjusting and getting into a routine. Merry Christmas!
I just got a little teary too! I love your tree and all of your wonderful memories. I’d love to make some photo ornaments like this next year. Merry Christmas to you too!