It's Sunday afternoon and in just a little while the now quiet house (afternoon naps) will be a busy laughing environment as good smells begin to permeate the house. Christmas music will be playing in the background and after a wonderful meal we will go off to a candle light service and maybe drive around a little to look at Christmas lights.

This evening we will be opening gifts (this will definitely change with the addition of grandchildren) and we will watch our adorable son-in-law with his teeth set on edge while we open gifts (apparently the ripping of paper drives him nuts! ) Knowing this bit of trivia will probably set Mr. Wonderful on a tearing spree unlike anything we have ever seen. (Christmas brings out the playful little boy in him!)

While everyone is sleeping I began looking over my daughter's tree. We did not put up a tree this year as we knew we would be gone. It was hard for me as I always enjoy unwrapping the ornaments that the children have made over the years and ornaments that we buy in various cities that we have spent Christmas. Last year we got a small apple that says New York City 2005. Finding a Canadian Christmas ornament is high on my list for after Christmas (Boxing Day).

Our tree of ornaments is full of picture ornaments. The kids always hide their "ugly duckling" pictures behind the tree so no one will see them. We have the traditional ornaments of reindeer Popsicle sticks, hand print ornaments, pompom worm ornaments etc.

The picture is of a clothespin angel that Becky made in kindergarten. The face is drawn on by Becky. The gown is now a very fragile white doily and the wings are gold doilies. There is a yellow pompom for hair and a silver pipe cleaner for a halo. It was hard for me to give up this ornament as I remember the day she brought it home and gave it me for safe keeping. It has always been prominent on all of our trees. To see it on her own tree as she expects her own little one is seeing life in full circle.

In my mind's eye I see her opening a oddly wrapped present proudly presented by an active 5 year old that is a mirror image of his or her mom or dad. I see the pride and look of adoration in my grandchild's face as he or she proudly announces, "I made it myself!"

Memories are made of these.....may all your memories be warm, and with those you love.

Labels: Becky, Christmas 2006, Monday memories