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Dec 6, 2022
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Stephen  Solberg's avatar

It's not with the Legos...

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Jessica F Juliuson's avatar

:( :( Amazing how much emotion is wrapped up in even the rattiest old throwaway ornaments that we hide at the back of the tree but can't throw away. Hoping for you that they do turn up... but love that you have a mental Plan B.

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Sandra Heaney's avatar

Christmas evolves over time and the older I get the lazier I get. I love decorating the house for my guests but for us a "Charlie Brown" tree with just a few personal ornaments works. Childhood Christmases were magical but I find it impossible to recreate that feeling as an adult. Children make Christmas special - remember to enjoy the time with them - that's what it's all about.

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Judith Solberg's avatar

I would probably be fine with an outlier Christmas, if I knew for sure that those old ornaments were still safe somewhere. It’s the thought of being a terrible steward that hurts…

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Happiness: AViewpoint!'s avatar

I think I am developing into a minimalist. I bought a new tree with lots of lights that can change colour if you want. Had it for five years and still love it. Had a real tree (balsam of course) every year before. No more. Still have a couple of kids decorations but have given them to the kids with their new families over the years. I box of ornaments and one box for tree which is sooooo easy yo put away and looks beautiful every year. There is a you tube on Christmas that is very heart warming. I think I’ll go wassailing this year. https://youtu.be/vkR1FSwYkOI

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Judith Solberg's avatar

In my mind I imagined dividing up the ornaments between our own kids someday, and paring down our tree to a very few. But…will we have NONE to give them?! It is all so unexpected.

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Happiness: AViewpoint!'s avatar

Well you better check. Because it was my sons wives that that just went into the old pictures, ornaments and school stuff and took anything about my son. So that’s where all mine went. After that I gave all school stuff and pictures and ornaments to my daughter that was hers. I don’t need it. I have my memories that I want. George Carlin said it best. We don’t have room for all our stuff. Sooooo much better without their stuff too.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

This is such a beautiful post, Judith. "I will remember that, even without the ornaments, our memories were enough." Goosepimpling!

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Judith Solberg's avatar

Thank you so much. I think I had to write it all down to process it. Sometimes it’s the only way.

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Louise Paulsen's avatar

The boys picking out the tree sure look familiar! I would recognize them anywhere. Hope the ornaments show up before too long. You find merry wherever you are.

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Judith Solberg's avatar

From your lips, Louise!! 🤞

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Elizabeth Marro's avatar

I feel your dismay and hope that the box shows up. One year my box of ornaments vanished and my son and I were devastated. Then, by chance, we saw them in the window of our landlords' shoe store. Apparently his mother thought they were theirs and used them to add a nostalgic touch to their holiday decorations. It was all really awkward and strange but I was so relieved. Opening the box is the thing I look forward to each Christmas. So many memories are contained within. I hope you find yours soon.

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Judith Solberg's avatar

Oh my goodness, that is a short story in itself!! We found ours last night, thank goodness. I feel silly for having All The Feels for those few days, but…not really. I have been appreciating every single ornament that we hang, all over again.

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