As I put up my small Christmas tree here in my office/tv room, I found a small bag of 'special' ornaments. Every year, I see these ornaments--which brings back memories. Most are 'homemade or handmade'; but all are special in one way or another.
First, there is the one shown in my Gallery: a green, hand-made ornament my sister had made--for her, my brother, and me. It was the first year she and her husband were back in Illinois, after living in Texas. They have a pretty 'snowman' picture on one side and the date (year) on the other.
Then there are two that commemorate my mother and grandmother. Each one has some dried flower leaves from their memorial services.
Next, are a set of tiny 'snowmen angels' that I bought: each has one of our names on it--me, my husband, and our two children.
Next there are wax ornaments that came from Germany. My brother-in-law and his family were in Germany for four years for his company. They sent us several souvenirs from there. If I get a good photo of one of these, I will post it in my Gallery.
Finally, there are the ornaments that a number of my pen pals sent me over the years. One is a set of small hand-sewn ornaments I'm looking at right now: It's about 1.5 inches by 2 inches and says "JOY", my name, and "'81" (the year she made it). Susan passed from cancer in the 90's. So that brings back so many memories.
Another 'set' sent by a pen pal in Canada: small red birds (maybe 2 inches long), which have an attached 'hanger' so they can be put on the tree branches. Then there is a 2x4 inch 'pillow' that another pen pal made, which has a 'dove' stitched one one side.
Then there is an Angel from yet another pen pal--made from yarn, with a doll's head and 'wings' made of gold ribbon. And it also has pearl strands on it. That is on the top of the tree here.
Finally, there is one set I almost forgot: glass angels, about three inches tall. They are in different poses, but each has a small gold 'halo'. I didn't use them this year, which is why I nearly forgot about them. I usually put them on a larger tree.
As I said...so many memories. And ornaments I will always treasure.
