Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. -- Larry Wilde
Memories
I take out each box of Christmas decorations, and as I carefully unpack them it reminds me of the reasons some have been carefully packed away for so many years.
The fuzzy little stocking ornaments with mice in them were one of the first ornaments on our tree. They did not all survive the years. The two remaining with eyes missing and stocking frayed still get packed away each year, and unpacked to evoke the memory of that time.
My children in their new pyjamas ,rubbing their eyes at the pile of presents under the tree.
Those tiny mice held a special magic, they transformed me back to that time.
Of course they do not hold the same place of honor as those made with those tiny little hands of my children.
The rag wreath made by my son was hung up every year until I gave it back to him to hang up as a memory for his children.
The gigantic Christmas card made by my children to their mom and dad is faded now, yet it reminded me of the times that my children secretly made all their gifts or cards. It warmed my heart to see them so excited about the simplest of things. They never realized that no matter what they gave me , it never really mattered.
Their tiny faces, and little hands busily creating their masterpieces were all I needed . They were the gifts, all wrapped up and given to me to treasure.
Children never really know the amount of love a mother has , until they experience the same moments of love when they see their child creating a masterpiece for them.
The empty Advent calendars, that were opened with their little hands . If someone were to see them they would wonder why they were kept, yet to me the sound of their voices echoed in each window.
Every year I put out some of the Christmas cards given to me over the years, even though I have new cards.
The mantle or shelf would not be the same without the past incorporated into the present.
Each box holds a treasure , and each year I pack it away to experience again that feeling of Christmas when I take them out again next year.
Christmas makes us reflect on the times we shared with others.
The gifts are never under the tree as much as around it.
Your husband, your children, and your family.
Memories are like mortar , they keep your life together and your family treasures close.
In this generation of divorce, and single mothers it is even more important to have a box of memories.
The lives fragmented by divorce are difficult to endure for many, yet when you sit on the floor and take out a box that reminded you of a beautiful time with your child, or family member...it puts into perspective that life may have hardships, but the hardships pass by and your good memories remain.
Unpack them, remind yourself of the beauty of this season, and if needed as I sometimes do, unpack the memories more often.
It is my hope that throughout this season and throughout the year that your memories hold together that which is important.
From my heart to yours
Merry Christmas
Irene Motz
All material is Copyright and the owner of the author. I ask only for the acknowledgment of the author Irene Motz@The Blue Moon