Holiday Memories

20 years ago my uncle gave me this little guy on top of a package. A little mouse that had a musical tummy which still runs! (albeit with a lot less gusto than previous years.) Yes this little guy has been a part of my Christmas decor for the last two decades! It's the little things like this that truly make the magic of Christmas come alive.


My nativity is far newer to my home than that little guy is. In 2006 my grandmother purchased it for me. She said she didn't want to just give me cash or junk but something that would be meaningful and a way to remember her after she was gone. I remember thinking then - oh grandma you're not going anywhere - and yet what a lovely idea! I am so glad that I allowed her to purchase my nativity set. Now I was able to pick it out, so it fits my home, taste and decor - but it is so much more special to me because Grum knew even then that she wouldn't be around forever. I too knew she wouldn't out live me - but I wouldn't mind if she had. This year there are a couple extra angels in my nativity scene. These are ones that were my Grum's. They live in my home year round, but during the Christmas season they live with the nativity that my Grum so thoughtfully wanted me to have.


Everyone has ornaments on their tree that hold special meaning for them. Their first ornament from when they were a baby, special years or collections that bring up fond memories. My favorite ornaments by far are the ones that I have honoring our family members that have passed on. (I'm giving away the surprise of a Christmas gift to family members here) but I just couldn't not put all three of them up together. The one on the left is for my father which says "Forever in Our Hearts" , the next is for my grandfather who passed in 2005 and it says "Merry Christmas from Heaven: I love you all dearly, now don't shed a tear, I'm spending my Christmas with Jesus this year", this year I had made on an angel ornament (because they were Grum's favorite) "Our Loving Angel" - they are very dear to my heart and while I know they are no longer with us, these ornaments are a gentle reminder of them and all the wonderful Christmas memories we have together.