Deck the Halls With Memories

Every year we drag out boxes packed with memories of years gone by. Each ornament holds a story and every decoration reminds us of something or someone we hold near and dear to our hearts.

The other day, while I was unpacking the boxes of decorations for the tree, I found a 22 year old bronze engraved reminder of our first Christmas together. Homemade bells with pictures of our children, construction paper elves adorn our mantle and banners inscribed with the names and titles of Jesus hang beautifully on our tree as they remind us of our annual family vacations spent in Maggie Valley.

Those aren’t just decorations, they’re memories.

Before you know it, it will be December 26th and time to pack up those cherished memories where they’ll be hidden again until next year. This year, allow yourself some time to walk down memory lane. Reminisce about those special moments that brought you to this place as you thank the Lord for the gift of salvation, family, life, laughter and love.

Tell us about what makes some of your Christmas decorations so special. I look forward to hearing from you.

16 Comments

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

  2. If you are having a problem leaving a comment, please email me and let me know @ eternallyhis@mail.com.

    I'm so sorry for the inconvenience.

  3. How fun to reminisce.

  4. “They aren't just decorations, they're memories”
    I love that!! Christmas is all about making memories that surround the birth of our Jesus!

  5. I have this plastic apple with my name written on it in Sharpie. My kindergarten teacher gave it to me for Christmas, lo, these many years ago. I remember having it put in my hand and someone saying, “Oh, look what Mrs. Wojohn made for you!” It was also a going away present. My parents had divorced and I was moving to Texas with my mom, mid-school year. Somehow, that ornament has survived numerous moves. I don't even know which parent kept up with it for me. But now it hangs on my tree. And every time I see it, I have a flash of feeling for the little girl whose world was changing. And I remember feeling grateful for the safe, never-changing love of a kindergarten teacher.

  6. Hi Joyful,
    I looked at your blog and you and I seem to be on the same page. I know it's Christmas time and other blogs are all about reminiscing, but I just really enjoy learning how other families make this time of year so special and the traditions they hold dear.

  7. Hi Joye,
    “They aren't just decorations, they're memories.” Funny how that sounds better after you wrote it in your comments. Isn't it fun to walk down memory lane with each ornament and very decoration you adorn your home with.

  8. Hi Lora Lynn,
    Your plastic apple story brought tears to my eyes…and I'm not a crier. That may even make a good children's book. Helping children through difficult circumstances.
    Thanks for sharing your very special and personal story.

  9. I love when my family unpacks all the ornaments. There are so many in there that carry a story with them.

  10. Hi Melissa,
    Isn't it so much fun to reminisce? I love thinking about the stories that come with every ornament. Sweet memories!

  11. As a Jewish believer, my Christmas tree is a cherished part of my Christian experience. Since I never had a tree, and of course, no decorations, I held a trim-a-tree party the first year as a Christian. I still hang all the ornaments from that first year remembering my sweet new friends in Christ. Then each year, with every vacation, I bought an ornament that reminds me of those travels. I buy an ornament for each child each year that reflects what is important to them at that time. When they have their own home, they will have a beautiful headstart on their first tree.

    Others have their scrapbooks, I have my Christmas tree.
    Susan

  12. I have 2 grown daughters 33 and 30 and I still put the ornaments on the tree that my daughters made for me while growing up. My favorites are the ones made of felt with their picture! We have been through a tough financial struggle this year with my husbands unemployment, but when I look at those ornaments, they remind me to thank God for everything I have and for those precious days with my girls!

  13. We have a large glass ornament my grandmother received from her brother when she was 16. It's now 92 years old. It was part of a set of 4, but is the only one that survived.

    Blessings,
    Susan šŸ™‚

  14. Hi Susan @ Eternity Cafe,
    I love how you spent your first real Christmas and the collection of ornaments you've acquired through your travels. I also enjoyed popping in at your blog too.
    I just love how technology makes it easier for the body of Christ to get to know each other, pray for each other and encourage each other.
    Eternally His,
    Steph
    Phil 3:7-14

  15. Kelly,
    I share your love for those delicate homemade childhood ornaments. Those are my favorite too…well those and the names of Jesus that hang on my tree.
    Isn't it amazing how construction paper doesn't disintegrate after about 20 or so years! It sure is durable. šŸ™‚
    Merry Christmas,
    Steph
    Phil 3:7-14

  16. Hi Susan Reinhardt,
    I've been thinking about you lately. I love your wonderful blog. So sorry I haven't piped in with a comment or two over there.
    It's amazing that you have your grandmothers 92 year old ornament. Almost 100 years of tradition. Beautiful…just beautiful.
    I sure hope you have a very Merry Christmas! Please keep in touch.
    Eternally His,
    Steph
    Phil 3:7-14

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