A Christmas Tradition - Decorating the Tree

When my first grandchild experienced her first Christmas at about nine months of age, her eyes popped when she gazed at the lit, decorated tree. She reached out her hand to touch an ornament, and I told her mother, "Let her touch; they won't break." I had purchased several unbreakable ornaments and placed them within Lauren's reach. Still, we taught her to touch "softly." The following year, we asked Lauren's parents to let her come "help" us decorate our tree. She carefully placed all of the sturdy ornaments on the lower branches of the tree while Papa and I hung the rest. The next year, Papa lifted her high, and Lauren placed the angel on the top. How proud she was! Eventually, Lauren's sisters realized how much fun they were missing, and they came along to add their assistance. A Christmas tradition was born.

Since then, our son's daughters, Lauren (19), Brittany (18), and Jenna (15) have come each year to decorate our tree. I sit and tell the story of each ornament and pass them out as they find the "perfect" spot for it. They take turns placing the angel on the top. (I've been reduced to record keeping to avoid declarations of "it's MY turn!") This year only Lauren kept the tradition going as Brittany had a mandatory chorus rehearsal, and Jenna had to meet with a tutor.

First, the tree must be "fluffed." If you look closely, you can see my Pink Saturday's ornament hanging where I photographed it.


We have Christmas music and hot apple cider. After the work is finished, we eat pizza and brownies or Christmas cookies. Not nutritious, but remember, I'm the grandmother--I'm allowed to spoil! Through the years, a surprisingly few ornaments have been broken. Whenever that happens, there is a bit of regret, but I always say, "You're more important to me than any ornament." (BTW: I think I broke three last year!)

Apple cider always tastes better in Christmas mugs. We were all too hungry to take pictures of the pizza and brownies!


Here's my beautiful Lauren placing the angel on the top of the tree; she uses a ladder these days.


This year, we made bows instead of using the gold ribbon to swag the tree.


One of my most precious ornaments is this one that Lauren presented to me in 1990. She "made" it at Sunday School, and her generous mommy encouraged her to give it to Grandma. Oh, I have treasured it ever since!



Here's the finished product:




I have seven grandchildren; only three decorate the tree as my daughter, son-in-law, and their four children live out of town. (sigh) you can't have everything!Want some pretty music? Click here, type in the title of a song or the name of an artist and listen while you blog away!