When I was a little girl Christmas was always a magical time of year that I looked forward to more than anything. My Mom was a decorating enthusiast and our house was always red and green from floor to ceiling. I remember one year that we had at least six trees in the house. Some were only a couple feet high, but still…six trees!!! It always created such a festive feeling and excitement for us that lasted the whole month of December….and sometimes nearly into February when we finally got around to putting them away!
Several years ago my niece Aubree demonstrated well how we all felt about Mom’s Christmas spirit when we were walking around through a craft boutique in Bothell, WA called Country Village. It was a little Christmas cottage with decorated Christmas trees, stockings, Santa wall hangings, advent calendars. It felt like we were right there in the north pole in Santa’s shop! As we were walking out I noticed Aubree sitting down with tears in her eyes. I asked her what was wrong and she said, “This place reminds me of Grandma’s house.”
I haven’t come even close to decorating my house as well as my Mom used to, and to be honest I don’t love pulling out the old dusty boxes that are covered in cobwebs. But as the kids get older I am realizing that it is A LOT of work to create memories and traditions for kids, but worth every minute and bit of energy spent doing it. I love to hear Luca say, “Mom! We have to put the nutcracker on the fireplace! We do that EVERY year!” It makes me feel like I am somewhat living the legacy that my Mom started. (although I proceed carefully because Brett gets the shakes at the sight of clutter)
I am definitely more appreciative of all the fun traditions we had and all the work that went into them!
Whims 