a tree tour

One of the things I enjoy the most about decorating the tree is remembering the history of the ornaments.When our children were growing up, I bought them an ornament every year. They were also given ornaments from others and they made them in Sunday School. When they married, they took their box of ornaments with them to their new homes. So, you won't see any handmade beaded candy canes or bells made from red paper cups or "My First Christmas" engraved brass baby beds... but there are still some old ones and some new ones.

This is a new one. I found it at Cracker Barrel this year... a restaurant here in the south. Do you have them where you live? A tiny teacup and a cardinal...I couldn't resist! :-)


This one is about 25 years old. I made it from heavy cord and many coats of craft glue. The glue made it stiff so it would keep it's shape and it also made it shiny. I took some to an ornament exchange way back then. Nobody knew what they were Doesn't it look like a shepherd's crook to you?



A life long friend gave me several of these...country angels for my country tree...perfect!


My daughter and I each bought one of these when we went to Niagara Falls to celebrate her college graduation in May 2009. We bought them in a Christmas shop in a cute little town called Niagara on the Lake. He's a Snow Mountie!


About 5 years ago, my hubby made the comment, jokingly, that HE didn't have any ornaments on the tree, so our sweet girl went shopping! This a "Handy Moose" because J can do almost anything around the house.


Probably his favorite thing to do is fish and he is getting a little older (I mean he has retired, you know!), so I had to get this for him!


A long time friend gave me this a few years ago. An "old" wooden toy top....I like the way it hangs.


Back in the 80's, a friend of ours went to Israel as a missionary. She brought many of these back with her to share with folks in our church. They are made from olive wood.


J's sister was stationed in Germany for two years back in the 80's. She sent this to us one of the years she was there.



I bought this about 2 years ago on a girl's weekend with a friend to the northern part of our state. That is one cute fat bird!


This came from a Christmas shop on the coast of North Carolina when I went "home" with a friend to visit her mom.



This is one of my all time favorites. My "other" mom gave it to me many years ago. I love what it says and it always has a prominent place on the front of the tree. Yes, it is Him...Jesus!

I love my tree!! Thanks for taking the tour and enduring the history lessons!! Hope you have a blessed weekend!