Memories

The Christmas season is filled with memories.  As I thought about putting up my tree and decorating my apartment, I wondered why I do it.  Not in a frustrated way.  Not because it is annoying or time consuming.  Just pondering as I decorated.

Then I realized, as each ornament was removed from the box, each one brought back memories.  Memories of the people who gave me the ornaments.  Memories of the time of life I was in when I received or bought the ornament.  The place where the ornament was bought.

Here are a few memories from my tree, in no particular order:
(The pictures are a little blurry.  I was in a hurry to take them!)

This is probably my oldest ornament.  I can't remember a Christmas without it on the tree!  My great grandma made it, if I remember correctly.

This ornament is from Sandy, from the year we did the children's musical, "Santa Bowed at Christmas"

I actually don't remember where this came from, but it reminds me of Delora because she collects Santas.

This is from my teaching days.  Wendy gave it to me when she was teaching 3rd grade.

This is from Grandma Reed, I think.  If it isn't, I always think of her when I put it up!

Thanks to Della I have this beautiful nativity ornament from Israel.

The bell from Shonda's and Paul's wedding!

And, a snowman ornament from Shonda and Paul!

A snowflake from Mom to remind me of the year of Shonda's wedding.

And, an angel from Mom.

Even an ornament from Aunt Karen.

HAWAII!

South Dakota!

I bought this at the Christmas Shop in Karuizawa.

Another ornament from teaching days, "O Little Town of Bethlehem."

This one is a little hard to see, but it is a snowflake.  I don't exactly remember where it came from, but for some reason it reminds me of my high school buddy, Signe.

Bought in Japan, but it reminds me of Texas!

Made by Phyllis from my home church.

Card from one of my roommates in seminary, Melodee, who is now a missionary in Europe.

And, my cute mouse from Mrs. Westall!

If you made it this far, thanks for sticking around for my walk down memory lane.  Of course, for me the best memories don't have to do with Christmas trees and ornaments, but with celebrating Jesus' birth with my family and friends.  What lovely memories to ponder every year.