I get my inability to pack lightly from my parents. When I was young, my family would take a long vacation every summer. We always drove, so I've likely been to more states than your average American. (Hence the obsession with picking up 4 new states on our recent family vacation!) And, we always drove a very full station wagon. There wasn't much room for souvenirs due to the cargo we had with us. I don't apologize for being a heavy packer. It's like the boy scouts say "Be prepared!" So, even if it is the middle of summer at the beach, I will have some sort of sweater and at least one fancy outfit
just in case. My mom got in the habit of buying Christmas ornaments from all the places we traveled to. I don't know if it had to do with the fact that they are small and easy to transport in a laden car, but I'm sure the fact that they are small and easily portable was definitely a bonus. And, her tree is now full (
FULL) of memories. I love helping her put it up and thinking about all the things we have done. So, when I got married, I decided to continue the tradition. My tree is not nearly as full as hers, but I've only just begun. Here are some of the ornaments I have picked up over the years.
I got a few from our road trip to Virginia this summer.
Some ornaments from our favorite beach. (I try to get a different lighthouse each time we go.)
Some random ones from other vacations. (The teddy bear started the tradition for me. It came from NYC.)
Cora is even getting in on the action though she may not realize it, yet. Here is her collection of ornaments. The glass bulb has a tiny little Rudolph face on it that she made at preschool last year. They used her big toe to make the face. (How cute is that?!)
And finally, not to be left out. . .
So there is a glimpse of our memory tree. Next year an Alaska ornament?
9 comments:
what a gr8 ideal i nvr thought of that i just get shot glasses. btw your lil gurl is so cute.
My family always bought ornaments when we went on vacation too and now my husband and I have started the same tradition! You've got some cute ones!
I love that you purchase ornaments from the places that you have visited! Great idea : ) we do that with mugs!
I'm pregnant with a little girl who is due to arrive in less than 6 weeks {around the second week of Jan}; we look forward to welcoming her into the world and celebrating the beauty of Christmas with her next year!!
We do that too. It is so fun to put up ornaments from wonderful places we have been blessed to visit. Christmas blessings to you!
I get ornaments from our vacations too! It is such a fun way to remember trips!
I love to pick up ornaments from vacation spots, it brings back such great memories every year when they get unpacked and placed on the tree. Such a special collection you've started for your daughter as well.
MY parents did the SAME thing and i absolutely LOVE the "memories" from my childhood! When I moved out and had my first real tree I started doing it, too! SO much fun to reminisce every year!
I love it! That is a wonderful idea... I have a few from trips but it isn't a habit however it would be great since every year I try to add to our tree!
Loved the snow pics from today...
Merry Christmas!
Somehow I missed this post. That goes to show how busy this month is, I dont even remember Dec 3rd!! Very cute collection of ornaments! I will have to start collecting beach ornaments...hmmm...I did bring back shells...oh no I cant handle more craft projects!
Post a Comment