I really did not know what to post. I have been talking about Christmas for the G.I.F.T. challenge and I wanted this to be something different. So, I am going to give someone a present. You see, I did not have the best Christmas's growing up. My father was a drunk, and even today my sister and mother have a very low opinion of the holidays. The only two people that used to look forward to them were me and my brother, but even his interest has faded. As a result, we have no Christmas traditions and most of my memories are of my father drunk or hungover and us having to deal with it. So, I always wanted to have a Christmas tradition and
my best friend was kind enough to start one this year. It is the simplest thing, really, but we are going to exchange a Christmas tree ornament (or ornaments) every year we know each other. Then, when we are older and are telling people about those ornaments on our tree, we can tell them the story of how this tradition came to be. I know, it might not be what people were expecting from this Advent Calendar, but to me, it is one of the best things that has ever happened as a result of Christmas.
*The friend I am talking about put together the Angel and the Devil, and I think they are cute, so I included*
my best friend was kind enough to start one this year. It is the simplest thing, really, but we are going to exchange a Christmas tree ornament (or ornaments) every year we know each other. Then, when we are older and are telling people about those ornaments on our tree, we can tell them the story of how this tradition came to be. I know, it might not be what people were expecting from this Advent Calendar, but to me, it is one of the best things that has ever happened as a result of Christmas.
When I read your post I thought of Dickens' Christmas Carol. The three ghosts- past, present and future. IMO, Christmas is not restricted to the past (nostalgic or terrible). Christmas is also the present and the future. Bright, happy, mellow, helping others, quiet~ whatever you want Christmas to be.
ReplyDeleteHave fun collecting and trading ornaments with friends. Merry Christmas~
I think that's a lovely tradition you started. This way each ornament will bring you a good memory of a different christmas!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!!
That's a lovely tradition! Each Christmas will remind you of happy memories and accumulate another one.
ReplyDeleteThe Devil looks kind of cute....
Coming through on tour and would like to wish you many more new traditions for your future Christmases.
ReplyDeleteOne of my best buds started collecting everything Santa Claus because of one I got her about 15 years ago. Tonight I finally got to see her house decorated for Christmas and there are Claus' every where - it is really cool to see how something I did for her so many years ago impacted on her life.
Sometimes it's your friends who make up your true family.
Merry Christmas!
CindyS
I think it is great that you have started your own traditions!!
ReplyDeleteI love ornament exchanges.. inexpensive, but fun to pick out and receive.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to start the Advent tour. I think your post is sweet and a bit sad, but I agree that you are doing a good thing to start up new traditions. Each year as you unwrap and put each of those ornaments on the tree it will brighten your heart. I think that's a wonderful tradition.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you, Kailana!
Thank you to everyone that stopped by! I can't wait to read what those of you that are participating have to say!
ReplyDeleteThis a wonderful tradition! In fact I do the same with a very good friend of mine that I've had since I was 16.
ReplyDeleteThat is a fantastic idea! I'm proud of you for refusing to let the bad memories continue through you. I'm really sorry your childhood was not good but think its very cool that you are pressing on and this is a great new tradition. Hope you post pics of your ornaments.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tradition and to have it with a friend! Everyone focuses so much on family traditions but what if you can't be with your family or etc. Friends are family too! :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like such a great idea! It's a nice thing and you can look back and remember all the good things in the season rather than the bad ones. :-)
ReplyDelete