As December dashes towards its finale, in north western
Europe our days grow short and dark. Communities across the continent banish
the gloom with illuminations, folklore and urbane festivities.
In our house, it is time for the Christmas tree
to requisition its corner of the living room. Each year, when the New Year impatiently awaits
its entrance, our tree makes us look back in time to remember friends, family
and holidays passed.
Long ago, we started collecting handmade ornaments.
Initially, there were the wooden carved figures from Germany. Next came the straw and blown-glass
decorations. Over the years, friends sent hand-embroidered ornaments that they had made especially for us. We treasure them because they are
beautiful and, as an embroiderer, I know the time and dedication that went into
them. (Yes, I made ornaments for friends, too)
Thoughtful guests from abroad frequently brought ornaments
that would remind us of their visit. Family added to the collection as they
travelled. So now, we have a memory tree. It prompts us to count our blessings,
recollect vacations, happenings, and happy times with people far away or,
sadly, no longer with us.
This past year I have another memory to add,
but I am not sure how to put it onto our tree. I have blogged almost a year now.
It seems that there are many out there who find what I have to say worth their
time. I hope in the coming year I can continue to
amuse you. (Google tells me where you are from, but not who you are.) To those of you who have left comments, I extend a particular thank
you.
