The days grow colder, and the night comes much sooner than a few weeks ago. Meanwhile the spirits of the holidays are beginning to overwhelm the public. The children are preparing for Christmas day. The schools work to finish up the season with parties and special crafts that each child can make for themselves to take and put under the Christmas tree when they get home. As they approach their families a smile crosses their faces as they hold their gift tightly in their hands. Climbing into the vehicle they sit holding onto the precious item they worked so hard to make, so nothing happens to it. Finally, the chance to show it off to everyone as they place it gently under the tree.
Remembering as though it was yesterday, in heart I remain a child during the Christmas season. Although now grown up, mom was able to preserve some of those gifts. That’s when I decided to make my memories into a tradition to pass on to my own children.
It was in the year 1974; Christmas came as it does every year. My love for the holidays seems to grow even stronger. The meaning moves me different ways as I look around through other eyes trying to see what they are hoping for.
This particular year mom knew my love for crafts. While shopping she came across a bead project that began my Christmas tree project that I continue today. A small train of yellow, white and red beads came as a kit from a local store and cost about $1.50. I sat at the desk in the gas station my mom and dad owned and would put my beads into a container and would put the beads on a small pin pushing them into the foam form; following the instructions and a photo that came with the kit. The work caught the attention of the people as they came in for service. Going out to pump gas, dad would tend the building while I was gone. Coming in he would be talking to the customer, and they wanted to buy the ornament. He laughed and said he could have sold it for $5.00 many times.
From then on, this little train was one of my favorites and I told those interested to hear its dad’s train. Mom and Dad are no longer with us, but the memories of many beautiful Christmas are with me throughout the year.
My life has gone through many changes – some good, some not so good. But this tradition helps to keep me in touch with the little things I used to enjoy so much.
Christmas is for the birth of Jesus which allows us the beautiful time for all these traditions to take place amongst our homes and families. This project will continue until I can no longer work my hands to make these beautiful ornaments. Keep the spirit of Christmas with you throughout the year and start your own tradition with your families. Bless all of you reading this and have a Merry Christmas.
Thank you and have a blessed Christmas.