A Few of my Favorite Things

     I created a very special wreath a few years ago.  It seems like a few years ago, but it was more--I know this, because as I look at the wreath today, I see photos of babies that are now big.  I love this wreath.  It's covered in ribbons and glitter, and all of the special ornaments that Jono, Abby and Sam made throughout preschool and elementary.  At one point, that brief moment in time when they were actually toddlers and babies, my tree could hardly hold all of the magical decorations, and I wasn't willing to part with any.  Not one.  So this wreath became the overflow vessel for the stars and pinecones, the glittery school photos, the bells, reindeer and gingerbread men.  I have three-of-the-same of most, and after a few years, the wreath was as full as my tree had been.  It was magnificent, and it hung in the house, displaying my favorites.

     And then we moved.  I protected the wreath and it traveled well.  But it didn't' find its way out of our new attic that first Christmas.  Or the second, third or fourth.  December would roll around and one kiddo or another was coming home from college or waiting on college acceptances, or auditioning, or  needing a ride to Boston Mills.  The tree was always full of memories and special ornaments, but the idea of the ornaments with the tiny faces and the sparkly pinecones wasn't at the top of my list.

     Until this year.

     The tree is up, and it's half decorated.  Jono is working downtown, and Abby will be home on Thursday.  Sam just texted from school wondering about skiing this afternoon.  Everybody wants to decorate the tree (I just know it in my Christmas heart) but I do not live with toddlers in their Christmas jammies anymore.  My children are busy young adults who are studying for finals and attending office Christmas parties.

      So, as I was hanging the last of the ornaments today, I realized that something was missing.  The toddlers.  One quick trip up to the attic, and there it was, bagged carefully, hanging on a hook.  Just as easily as it was assembled, it was disassembled.  Every last one of the popsicle-stick stars and the paperboard angles will find its way back onto the tree.   Suddenly, there is so much room.

     Merry Christmas, friends!  Make sure to surround yourself with your very favorite things.

     Love,

     Christy