Our Christmas tree has never been one of fluff and stuff- which was awkward for me because growing up we always had a Charlie Brown kids tree, that we could do what ever we wanted with, and then my Mom had "Her Tree" which always had white lights and decorations that were practically perfect. So when Brian and I got married and only had one tree for obvious reasons, we had homemade ornaments and some that his Mom had given us, that were his when he was little. I thought we did it this way because we were starving students and couldn't afford anything else. It wasn't until later that I discovered that this is the kind of tree Brian wanted to have. He pointed out to me that this kind of tree had meaning and sentiment to it. This year I truly caught the feeling and meaning of our eclectic tree. As the kids pulled out the different ornaments that we have collected in years past, Brian would tell them the story of when or how or from who we got that particular ornament. They thought it was so cool that we still had ornaments that Brian had when he was a little boy. It was also neat to hear Brian tell the kids about his Grandma Stacey, because the glass ball ornaments we have used to be hers. They also learned that the candy canes represented the hooks of the Shepard's. It was a great opportunity to teach the kids about many things. Of course their favorite ornaments were the ones that had their names or pictures on them. I saw the pride they took in placing a piece of "their lives" on our "family tree". It was a fun activity that we all did together! Now although I love the look of the elegant trees, I look forward to trimming our tree again next year and being able remember family and friends and the good times we all have had together.
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