I don't know if it was quite the 45th version of the family's tree-decorating get-together, but it was close to that. What with kids' jobs and commitments, we met at an odd hour — just after noon on Saturday — instead of the typical late afternoon. It was so early that no one was tempted to drink wine. However, yummy snacks were consumed with gusto, especially by the bald, bearded blogger.
Below, Jonathan and friend look on while Danica adjusts the star. The lights have already been strung, and ribbon has been wrapped around the boughs. The ornaments will be hung next and last.
The Ornaments
Jonathan hung one of the smocked ball. Wouldn't my mother be chuffed to think that the great grandson whom she never met would been adding a piece of her handiwork to the tree, perhaps 30 years or even longer after she created it? Since Mom can't exult in that, I will in her place.
I almost forgot this 6 second clip of the decorated tree flashing its lights. Sorry it's crooked. I know how to edit photos, but videos are beyond me.
I enjoy the closeness of your family. It's so obviously genuine. I don't mind a crooked video.
ReplyDeleteLovely! The smocked balls are something very special. I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd like a closer look at them.
ReplyDeleteSuch fun traditions!
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to make this a family occasion.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful family time. The photos show so much. Sue is so pretty. The video is very nice.
ReplyDeleteLike the very first picture.
ReplyDeleteLovely tree! How wonderful that your family is so close to gather for this, a very cheery post :)
ReplyDeleteIn all of the lovely details, I can't help but notice that Jonathan and his friend are both wearing the same outfits. Hmmm, taking after his grandparents at times? Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteHow lovely 😍 I loved seeing these photos and video. The tree looks beautiful and everyone looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful post; I love how you get together and the memories you cherish and create.
ReplyDeletePlease take a closeup of the smocked balls.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great family to do this together! 💕
Traditions are the framework of Christmas. I love reading about your family's celebrations.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those times you created a great memory. For crooked videos, you encourage everyone to drink a few glasses of cheer, so the whole room looks a bit askew! Or you take the video before you drink a few glasses yourself!
ReplyDeleteI love the tradition of the grandmother ornaments. We have some of those from both families-- as well as some from a friend's grandmother --He doesn't do a tree but wanted them to have a place to shine.
ReplyDeleteYou still have some family decorating and tradition even it it's hard to get everybody together.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your beautiful family time with us. May you have brilliant and happy holidays for many, many years to come
ReplyDeleteSadly, my first, much longer comment failed to publish for some reason likely due to my ineptness.
ReplyDeleteI love that you have such strong family tradition about the decorating. It makes me feel happy.
There is a company called “Avon” in the US (not sure if it is in Canada) that is sort of like Tupperware parties for soap, cologne, perfume…. that sort of thing. It was a really big thing in the 1960s especially…. much less today. But one tradition I have (besides some traditional ornaments of my parents from the 50s and 60s are two baseball sized glass Avon ornament bottles (originally filled with different types of cologne). The tradition I have had since I was three years old is that when we find these two ornaments in the box, we need to take each one out and unscrew the cap of each and smell the remants of the cologne within. My wife and kids and I do this every year still…. before we hang these rather heavy ornaments on the tree. It always takes me back to being a very little boy.
PipeTobacco
We have Avon. In fact I have some of their hand cream in the house.
DeleteWhat a lovely tradition! I just love it with such a nice family.
ReplyDeleteThat's a nice family tradition. I wish I had help doing mine; even Larry won't help, although he admires the finished tree. Nice to see your family getting together and "hanging out"!
ReplyDeleteI will exult in that smocked ball hanging by Jonathan too, for your mom. That's truly wonderful. And that profile portrait -- perfect in black and white and it speaks volumes. I love that you do this every year!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful family tradition no matter what time of day it had to be scheduled.
ReplyDeleteThe tree looks terrific. I hear you about finding mutual times... Ours are getting busy. Jordan takes the bus home from Queen's and that works well.
ReplyDeleteVery nice Christmas tradition!
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