The Tradition Continues

Waaay waaay back ... in the early 80s I think, we (as in Sue) started the tradition of having the family, plus friends sometimes, over for the decorating of our Christmas tree. It began once my parents moved to our town, and we could be home for Christmas instead of travelling hither and thither.

More than three decades later, it is still a family tradition, now held at my daughter's, Shauna's, place.

We did it pretty early this year because they are at their Dad's next weekend, plus JJ will be in the town's Christmas parade. With the weekend after that already in scheduling conflict, this weekend was seen to be the right time.

We began with the topping for the tree, but the bells didn't quite fit properly, so we used a bow.

Then ribbon was wrapped all around. It was passed from Sue to Danica and around to JJ, who being the littlest, filled the tight space near the wall.

Then, the hanging of the ornaments.

I put down the camera long enough to contribute a few pieces because that is also a tradition. My dad used to sit and watch the event from afar, but he would be persuaded to hang a decoration near the end.

I am hanging a ball that my mother smocked many years ago. She would do two identical balls every year for many years. One went to us at the time, but they were meant to pass on to her granddaughters some day. Shauna has my mother's set now, but we still hold on to the other one.

I had a bit of a sentimental moment doing this, thinking of the love and care that my mother put into smocking these Christmas balls. She's been gone for 15 years now, but she is still with us in some ways.

Just for effect I deliberately threw the camera out of focus for this shot.

And isn't this photo of Danica wearing ornaments as earrings just the best?

Done.

Time for dinner. Sometimes we just do snacky things — hor d'oeuvres as it were. But this year, I made a veggie lasagna. The kids are picky eaters, so it wasn't their favourite, but I'm glad i meade the effort regardless.