My tree is up---same tree, same ornaments that we have used for forty years. Every year when I walk in department stores in October just before Halloween I am awed by the beautiful, color coordinated trees with their perfectly spaced lights and artistically placed ornaments---none of which have mildew or peanut butter and jelly stains on them. Every year I say to myself, "This year I am going to buy one of those magnificent trees." Then I start thinking about the ornaments: Goldilocks and the Three Bears which I made of felt and sequins that were frequently removed from the tree by Lauren so she could enact the story in a corner of the living room, the Santa on a scale reminiscent of the year Jason was Santa in his Christmas play and had to sing a solo that went "Ever since you put me on this diet, all I ever think about is food cause what you're feeding me is boring as can be. Just peas and carrots for my meal; I now know how a rabbit feels," (I learned it too because Jason had pneumonia the week before the performance so we had to practice and practice together at home so he would be ready for the performance.) The felt ornaments my mother picked out for us at the Memorial Hospital Bazaar, the hand made ornaments Mike's mother made for each of us every Christmas, the reindeer soccer player that Brian picked out, the number one dad ornament that Erin picked especially for her father. Other ornaments from my students whom I thanked saying "I will always remember you when I put my tree up," and now can't remember who gave them to me. Other ornaments from the annual ornament exchange at my bridge club. The shiney glass balls that survived little hands carefully placing them on the tree and tears that were shed when careful little hands accidentally broke one. How could I consider getting another tree when the one I have whispers so many memories to me ? The old tree is here for as long as I celebrate Christmas!
