Incorporating Handmade Ornaments on Your Christmas Tree: A Personal Perspective
Christmas is a time for joy, togetherness, and hanging cherished ornaments on the family tree. From small kids to senior members of the family, each handmade ornament holds a special memory and a touch of familial love. Reflecting on my own traditions, I am happy to share how we celebrate the holiday season with homemade ornaments, and the challenges we face while maintaining these cherished customs.
Amidst Contemporary Celebrations and Challenges with Handmade Ornaments
Every year, my family ensures that the Christmas tree is adorned with countless ornaments, each one representing a piece of our collective memories. This year, the tradition is continued with decorations made by each family member, but such a tradition wasnrsquo;t a given. In fact, a series of questions have led to some interesting reflections and decisions.
Feedback and Challenges: Not Every Home Has Handmade Decorations
One common feedback I received was the absence of handmade ornaments on newly bought Christmas trees. Interestingly, many people have smaller trees or donrsquo;t have the time to make their own decorations. Personal crafting can be a tremendous joy, but managing a busy schedule and juggling multiple projects can sometimes make dedicated crafting time scarce.
Key Question: Do you put handmade ornaments on your Christmas tree?
While I am fortunate to have ornaments made by all family members, itrsquo;s not a universal practice. Some, like Chris, are caught in the mix of busy schedules and fewer crafting opportunities, which limits their ability to create homemade ornaments. In my case, my daughter has contributed the most ornaments, as shersquo;s been making them since she was a toddler, a tradition that I am glad to see continuing.
Protecting Handmade Treasures: Navigating Pet-Friendly Challenges
When it comes to protecting handmade ornaments, reality can be a hurdle. Even with the best intentions, beloved crafts can be at risk of destruction. For instance, my family has three cats that consider ornaments to be fair game, which makes the decision to hang them a delicate one.
Given the number and behavior of existing pets, Irsquo;ve had to make a compromise this year. While my cat-loving kitties pose a significant risk to the ornaments, Irsquo;ve ensured that this yearrsquo;s decorations are less likely to be destroyed, thus mainly incorporating non-handmade items. However, the safety and security of ornaments are under constant scrutiny as the feline residents age and perhaps become more playful.
For those with varying levels of pet protection, finding the right balance is essential. Observing the behavior and habits of household pets can provide insights into what decorations may be safe to hang, ensuring that cherished items last for more years to come.
Preserving Traditions: Insights from the Early Days
Handmade ornaments are not only a visual representation of time and love but also a great way to preserve family traditions. As Judi and I started our Christmas tree tradition in 1975, we made a few ornaments each year. We purchased some from Walgreens, like the Santa and Mrs. Claus figures, but we also made a couple of Mr. and Mrs. Snowman ornaments. These unique and lovingly crafted decorations are often the highlights of our tree.
Reflecting on these ornaments, it is clear that making and hanging homemade ornaments is a cherished tradition. As time has passed, we have seen many changes, but the sentiment behind each ornament remains the same. When making my own ornaments over the years, I often think of Judi, and our first ornaments, which are among my most treasured. They remind me of our early days together, when the ornaments were just small kits from the drugstore, but they also evoke the spirit of Christmas and the warmth of our celebrating family.
Where to Find Detailed Christmas Decoration Inspiration
If yoursquo;re interested in finding detailed decoration ideas and inspiration, Kathryn Roux Dickersonrsquo;s answer to a related question offers a great starting point. In the post, she shares a myriad of pictures of ornaments shersquo;s used over the years. Itrsquo;s a treasure trove of ideas and is a perfect resource if yoursquo;re looking to enhance your own Christmas tree with personalized and handmade ornaments.
Moreover, as our pets grow older, it might seem safe to use some of our favorite ornaments again. The intricate designs and fragile nature of many handmade ornaments mean that younger, more adventurous pets could be a bigger risk. However, as our cats become older and perhaps more mellow, we may be able to include some of these cherished ornaments again.
Ultimately, the decision to put handmade ornaments on the tree depends on the conditions and the behavior of the pets or other environmental factors. But the love and care that go into making these ornaments, and the memories they evoke, are what make them so special.
Conclusion
From the perspective of a family that values handmade ornaments, the Christmas tree is not just a space for lights and decorations; it is a container for memories and love. Whether one chooses to put handmade ornaments on the tree or not, the joy and warmth of the holiday season can be found in the process of creating and sharing these memories with family and friends. Whether through handmade ornaments or store-bought ones, the heart of the season lies in the connections we make and the traditions we uphold.
Thank you for reading and for sharing your own cherished Christmas traditions with us. May your holidays be filled with love, joy, and the warmth of beautiful memories.