Christmas Ornaments

 Year 8-Day 335: Today, I’m grateful for Christmas ornaments.

Trees are going up everywhere. Many of us started early this year. We are at home... so why not? Perhaps, we enjoy the decorations a little more than usual because so many of the typical activities that keep us running are not happening this year. We can actually enjoy the fruits of our holiday decorating labors. 

When we were first married, I remember wanting a "decorator" tree. White lights are the standard in our house. We still have a tree that is crystal and gold. It is beautiful and sits in the front window for all to see. Of course, once we started a family, our ornaments included the handmade and the ones that marked the year's events. We still like to add a new ornament each year. Something that represents our family and the year. (Perhaps, this year, we should make garland out of toilet paper.)

I treasure the picture ornaments from Snapfish or Shutterfly. They are truly a snapshot of something special about the year. They capture the season, vacations, the fashions, the adventures and the faces of our loved ones. 

Some ornaments get handed down. Our sons both have wives and trees of their own this year. Special ornaments help fill their trees. They will slowly add their own mementos and memories.

There are so many ornaments and only so much tree space. Some are handmade and simple. Some are elegant and fragile. Some make us laugh. Others make us a little sentimental. Memories and moments are collected and enjoyed each year as we open the box of decorations. 

Funny... I think this is a "first" in eight years. How could I have overlooked ornaments?

Earworm is singing Ray Boltz song, "The Perfect Tree". It is one of my favorites. In fact, one year, I wrote a Children's Christmas program that highlighted that song. If you have never heard it, check it out on YouTube. Here is the chorus: 

The perfect tree
Grew very long ago
And it was not decked with silver
Or with ornaments of gold
But hanging from its branches
Was a gift for you and me
Jesus laid His life down
On the perfect tree

In the hustle and the bustle, let's not forget the reason for the season. 

Today, I’m grateful for Christmas ornaments.