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In the depths of my basement lies a box with a stern warning for my children: “Do not place anything on top of this box, or else!” And I mean it. Inside that container are my most treasured holiday memories, irreplaceable keepsakes that I would be devastated to lose. Each item in that box holds a reminder of joyful moments from my life, and I eagerly anticipate the time each year when I can open it up for Christmas.
This box is home to the ornaments and gifts that decorate my memory tree. Some are mementos from our engagement and wedding, while others hail from family vacations and weekend adventures. We always pick up a new ornament whenever we visit a new place. However, the most precious memories are those crafted by my children; they are truly invaluable to me, both physically and emotionally.
My memory tree began as a modest pencil tree, started when my oldest two were little and began bringing home handmade treasures. As my family expanded, so did the tree. Now, it stands tall, representing all four of my kids. It showcases pictures from their first Christmases and snapshots from each school year. One of my most beloved ornaments features my son’s fingerprints, while another captures a tiny Santa made from his little hand. Each year, I look at this tree and am transported back to those innocent, joyful days.
As my eldest is now 13, many of the ornaments on the tree reflect his early years. I have keepsakes from his first Christmas, when I dressed him in an adorable Santa suit that highlighted his cherubic features. I can still vividly recall that day; he wasn’t a fan of the hat at seven months old, but we managed to get a quick photo. Each year, I hang a special candy cane he made in preschool, which never fails to warm my heart.
The Christmases filled with wonder and the true spirit of belief in holiday miracles are fleeting. Before long, you find yourself with a child asking for the latest gadgets instead of hunting for the Elf On The Shelf. That little one who gifted you a handmade snowflake with their picture will only be little for so long. This tree serves as a way to preserve those moments.
Eventually, my children will stop creating ornaments for the tree, and that thought saddens me. My eldest is in eighth grade, and I doubt he’ll be crafting projects for me as he transitions into high school. Thankfully, I still have a kindergartner who loves arts and crafts, so I have a few more years of special creations to look forward to.
My mother inspired the idea of the memory tree. She has her own, filled with magical ornaments dating back to the ‘70s, including one I made when I was just three years old. It’s still in pristine condition, thanks to her careful preservation. My brothers and I often reminisce about the treasures she has held onto for decades, which offers a glimpse into our childhood.
Right now, my tree lights up my children’s faces with pride as they admire the beautiful gifts they’ve made. They may not fully grasp that these ornaments represent their lives as children, but I hope that one day they will look back and cherish those moments just as I do.
After my kids are asleep during the Christmas season, I occasionally find myself turning off all the lights to soak in the glow of the tree’s twinkling lights, allowing myself to feel a wave of gratitude. It’s not sadness; it’s thankfulness for the incredible family I have. My memory tree is a testament to that love.
Everyone has their own special holiday memories. My favorite way to honor them is by showcasing them for anyone who visits during the festive season. Guests love to admire my children’s ornaments and hear the stories behind each one. My tree tells the story of our family, from engagement to fifteen years of marriage and counting.
This isn’t the kind of tree you’d find featured in a magazine or department store. While my neighbors might overlook the NYC taxi cab ornament or the Mickey Mouse from 2018, to me, they encapsulate all the magic of Christmas. I hope my children continue to add their unique creations to its branches for years to come. Even when the homemade magic eventually fades, I know I can still gaze into the quiet darkness, look at the snow falling outside, and be transported back to a time when life was truly wonderful.
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In summary, my memory tree is not just a decoration; it’s a cherished collection of love, laughter, and the fleeting moments of childhood that I hold dear. Each ornament tells a story, reminding us of the magic that comes with family and the joy of creating lasting memories.