Dreamscape Jewelry Design

December 9, 2018: The Heart of Family Traditions

“The heart of every family tradition is a meaningful experience” unknown

I have been collecting Christmas memorabilia and decorations since I was in college, and over the years have  amassed quite a collection.  Stored in numerous totes , we haul them upstairs from the basement at the beginning of December, and begin the tradition of decorating each room in our home.  Opening each tub, is like greeting old friends; providing a link to the nostalgia of the past and the current anticipation of a new holiday season.

Memories are renewed as treasured pieces are unpacked, bringing with it a whole range of emotions.  Some are gifts from family members and friends who are no longer here, adding to the poignancy of these treasures.  Others are nostalgic, like the milk carton Santa my daughter made as a kindergartner, 34 years ago.  Or the resin Lynn Haney Santas, my husband and I have searched for and collected over the years. Participating in craft fairs, I have been drawn to beautiful handcrafted decorations, made more meaningful by knowing the artist  and the heart they put into designing them.

Each year, I tell myself I’m going to cull our collection, which I do to a point.  I’ve given my grown children their ornaments they received when young.  I’ve donated some to local charities.  But the collection has continued to grow, and with emotions attached, it as been a challenge to decide what to keep and what to let go. This year, invading mice helped to make the decisions a little easier.  To my dismay, I discovered two of our tubs had been infested by invading mice.I salvaged some of the pieces, but needed to let the majority go.  What I realized after the initial dismay, is that despite the absence of two full tubs, I still had more than enough memories and pieces to fill my heart and home.  With more space, I was actually able to see the individual decorations more clearly. 

This tradition of holiday decorating was passed down from my grandmother and mother, and for me, is a calming constant in what can too often be experienced as a hectic season.  Instead of considering it a tedious, requirement, I find happiness in transforming my home with pieces that bring me joy.  Our bay window ledge is where I place a collection of Santa Clauses.  As each Santa emerges, it tells a story of its own. Side by side, I place the somewhat tattered milk carton Santa with a newly hand-crafted one from a artist friend. 

This yearly transformation has become a meaningful tradition that I look forward to creating. While outside, it’s bitterly cold, our home is warm and welcoming. In each room, nooks and crannies become vignettes of festivity, waiting patiently for new memories to unfold.

Do you have a favorite holiday tradition that brings joy and meaning to you? Please share in the comments below.