In my basement lies a box with a stern warning for my children: “Do not place anything on top of this box.” I’m serious about this rule! Inside that container are my most treasured holiday memories, irreplaceable keepsakes that I would be devastated to lose. Each item inside serves as a reminder of joyful moments in my life, and I eagerly anticipate opening it every Christmas.
The contents of that box include the gifts and ornaments that decorate my memory tree. Some are from our engagement and wedding, while others commemorate family vacations and weekend adventures. We always make it a point to pick up an ornament wherever we go. However, the ornaments crafted by my children hold the most significance; they are the true treasures, both physically and emotionally.
I started my memory tree with a small pencil tree when my two oldest kids were little and brought home handmade gifts. As my family expanded, so did the tree, which is now a full-sized display featuring all four of my children. Each ornament holds a picture from their first Christmases and school years. One of my favorites is a glass ball adorned with my son’s fingerprints, and another one showcases a Santa made from his tiny handprint. Each glance at the tree allows me to relive those innocent days.
Now that my eldest is 13, the tree is filled with ornaments that reflect his early years. I have mementos from his first Christmas, when I dressed him in an adorable Santa suit that highlighted his chubby cheeks and impish grin. I’ll never forget that day; he wasn’t fond of the hat at seven months, but we managed to snap a quick photo. Each year, I lovingly hang a special candy cane he made in preschool. It never fails to warm my heart.
The magical Christmases filled with wonder and belief in miracles are fleeting. Before you know it, your child is asking for the latest gadgets instead of searching for the Elf on the Shelf. The little one who once gifted you a beautiful homemade snowflake with his picture will grow up faster than you can imagine. My memory tree serves as a way to preserve those precious moments.
Eventually, my children will stop making ornaments for the tree, which saddens me. My eldest is now in 8th grade, and I doubt he’ll be crafting something special for me during high school. However, I still have a kindergartner who loves art, so I look forward to more years of creative projects with her.
My inspiration for this memory tree came from my mother, who has her own adorned with ornaments dating back to the ’70s, including one I made in 1982 when I was just three years old. She takes great care of her decorations, ensuring that many of these treasures are still in pristine condition. It’s remarkable to see Cabbage Patch Kids, Smurfs, handmade angels, and my own Girl Scout ornament from childhood, all lovingly preserved. My brothers often joke about who will inherit that one.
I adore gazing at this tree because it transports me back to some of the happiest moments of my life. Is there anything more fulfilling than presenting someone with a creation that came straight from your heart? I don’t think so. My mother’s commitment to preserving our family’s memories has created a unique sense of Christmas magic in her home. It’s a joy for our children to witness glimpses of our childhood.
Right now, my tree fills my children with pride as they admire the beautiful gifts they’ve created for me. They may not fully grasp that these decorations represent their childhood, but I hope that one day they will look back fondly, just as I do.
After my kids have gone to bed during the holiday season, I sometimes switch off all the lights and admire the tree’s twinkling bulbs, allowing myself a moment of gratitude. It isn’t sadness; it’s thankfulness. I feel incredibly blessed to have my family, and my memory tree is a testament to that love. It shows how much they care, as they’ve taken the time to craft something special for me.
We all have treasured memories of the holidays, and my favorite way to celebrate is by showcasing these keepsakes for anyone who visits during the festive season. Guests love to admire the ornaments my children have made and hear the stories behind each one. This tree tells the story of our family, from our engagement through 15 years of marriage and counting.
Unlike the perfectly curated trees you might see in magazines, my tree is a unique reflection of our family. While my neighbors might not appreciate the NYC taxi cab or the Mickey Mouse ornament from 2018, to me, they embody the true spirit of Christmas. I hope my children will continue to add their loving creations to its branches for many years to come. Even when the handmade magic fades, I’ll still find comfort gazing at the tree in the quiet darkness, reminiscing about a time when life was at its best.
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Summary
The author shares the sentimental value of their memory tree, filled with cherished ornaments and gifts that represent special moments with family. This unique tree serves as a symbol of love and nostalgia, preserving the innocence of childhood. The piece highlights the importance of these memories during the festive season and reflects on how families can create lasting traditions.