tree trimming

The year Josh and I got married (2004), my grandpa passed away. My grandma passed only months later, perhaps most of all from a broken heart. She lived her life fully for my grandpa and I believe she just didn't feel needed or complete without him around. I was broken hearted at their passing and even more so that they wouldn't be there for me to hug on my wedding day.

I was given a few special pieces that were my grandmothers that mean a lot to me. A crystal vase, some silver pieces, and a Christmas ornament. The Christmas ornament was given to me by my Aunt Sheri on Christmas of 2005. She had gone through my grandparents collection and picked out a single ornament for each of us (my sisters and myself). She even took care to address them to each of us and sign my grandma's name as the gift giver. It was a really special thing to do, I thought, and I can remember how it felt to look down at the tag that read "to: Miss Sara from: Grandma" knowing it had been months since her passing.

Sheri tried to pick an ornament she knew each of us would love, and mine was no exception. I received this beautiful wooden Santa, who to me looks a little Swedish in design. It reminds me of my grandparents each year when I decorate the tree and it always receives a place of honor near the top of the tree.

I hope when each of you get to your tree trimming this year, you conjure sweet memories of your Christmas's past, and hang the ornaments that have special meaning to you near the tops of your trees.

I wanted to add this reply from my Aunt Sheri, so it would share a little bit more about my grandparents and how special they are to us.

"Oh my gosh, so very sweet--this time of year always brings to mind your grandparents...how your Grandma would be counting the moments till she could decorate (I think a few seconds after the Thanksgiving turkey was put away?), Robert doing the lights, unwrapping each ornament, each with a story, your Grandma always filling in with the red glass balls and hanging the itty bitty ornaments at the top of the tree...your Grandpa complaining that Harry Connick, Jr. was no Frank Sinatra, breaking out the Glenn Miller Orchestra C'mas cd....  Holidays always remind me so much of them and of how much they loved them."

Comments

[Southern Heart]

I so understand what those special family pieces mean, especially with all that has happened in my life the past few months. I'm so glad that you have lovely things that give your holidays happy memories and meaning. Your grandparents sounded like a very special couple.

xo

[Leisa]

Grandparents are truly a blessing. It is so special to have memories and keepsakes to hold dear.

[chris]

What a lovely post sara. I miss my dear grandparents too so much around the holidays & have very special things that were theirs that remind me of them very day. I wish I had some cherished Christmas ornaments though. They would be right at the top of my tree~

[chris]

I have many ornaments of my Oma's who passed when I was three, they are all glass , and hand painted and hand glittered, they are the most special part of my tree.

[jennifer]

You are going to make me cry! I lost my grandmother on Dec 10...20 years ago and I still cry when I think of her. I also lost my mother right after Christmas almost 7 years ago. Christmas was my mothers thing...every inch of the house was decorated! Every year I bring one christmas thing of hers to my home. In fact, this afternoon I am going to my parents house, going up into the attic in search of on old set of mercury glass beads that every year I couldn't wait untill she would put them on the tree! Memories are such a gift!

[Raised In Cotton]

Oh Sara I love this post! I have that very same little wooden Santa ornament with the Stars.

Blessings and Hugs:)
Carol

[Jen]

What a sweet story. I know it must have been so hard for you to lose your grandparents but what a testament to her love for him. I love your santa ornament. It is very special. I had a whole box of ornaments that my mom made when my brother and I were little and they got lost in a move a few years ago. It breaks my heart every year when I take out the Christmas decorations.

[Sandra Evertson]

Precious ornament with beautiful memories! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Sandra Evertson

[frenchgardenhouse]

Sara, what a sweet post! I have so many memories of my grandmother, too, and especially at this time of year I love to think of her.

I loved this post. Your tree is special, I am sure.
xo Lidy

[Tara]

What a touching tribute to your grandparents. Their spirit is alive in you every day and it seems especially so at Christmas time.~xo

[cielo]

Sara, thank you for sharing such a sweet story... it made me cry, really; but don't worry, I've been tortured by emotions ever since I woke up this morning--hormones I guess... for I've been crying for anything. Really, grandparents are very special, and I know your Christmas ornaments are too.

Have a blessed day.

Cielo

[Rosemary]

What a nice memory Sara!!
Thanks for sharing,
Rosemary