“Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance – each beautiful, unique, and gone too soon.” ~Deborah Whipp
Less than a month before my grandmother passed away unexpectedly, nearly 30 years ago, we celebrated what would be our last true Christmas together as a family. I loved Christmas Eves in my grandparents’ third-floor apartment. There was French meat pie, festive music, a lot of laughter, and for some reason Rice Crispy treats. Every year, my cousin and I would inevitably chow down our meat pie as fast as humanly possible so we could check which presents had on our names on them ahead of the adults. After we gave them each a good shake, we’d (not so) patiently wait for the grown-ups, and we’d stare out the window. Without fail, my cousin would convince me that the red light blinking in the distance from the nearby airport was really Rudolph.
That Christmas, presents were opened and laughs were shared likely over some silly names my grandparents wrote in the “to” and “from” boxes on their gifts to each other. We were blissfully ignorant that the following years would look and feel so very different in my grandmother’s absence. Those Christmas memories were, indeed, gone too soon. However, time marched on and new traditions were made. But, even though my grandmother has not been physically present for several decades, every Christmas since her passing I know she is with us. I say this because I am lucky enough to spend the entire Christmas season marveling at my tree which is covered in remnants and memories of her presence.
You see, my grandmother was pretty crafty. She spent countless hours knitting and crocheting beautiful blankets, sweaters, hats, and even Christmas stockings. She also made many, many beautiful handmade Christmas ornaments over the years. Just as when I was a child, I find myself amazed at what someone can do with yarn, some patience, a great pattern, and some creativity. Growing up, the Christmas tree at my house, my grandparents’ home and, frankly, most of my family members houses were 90% decorated with her beautiful creations. After she passed away, sadly, the supply of new ornaments halted. Given that, I was both honored and elated when my mother generously shared some of her ornament collection with me when we got married.
When we decorate our Christmas tree every year, I revel in the details of each of the ornaments I know she made with her very hands, and a few with my own (before I lost the crafty gene), with her tutelage and care. Even though she is not with us, I still feel her as I look at our tree each season. Each ornament seems to hold a memory of when my grandparents were still with us and we were all together. My children have a small tree in each of their rooms. I let them take one of her ornaments to hang on their tree every year. Despite the fact that they only know my grandparents from pictures, I try to instill in my sons the importance of these family heirlooms if you will, and why their great grandmother was so special.
“Christmas is the day that holds all time together” ~Alexander Smith
I’ll admit that I do not have a crafty bone in my body. Frankly, if I have been remotely crafty, it’s only happened with copious amounts of help from Pinterest and Amazon Prime. However, I think growing up with a Christmas tree decorated with unique, handmade treasures guided me to choose additional ornaments with careful intention. In other words, I have put my own spin on gathering unique, meaningful ornaments for the tree. We have a first home ornament, a wedding ornament, yearly family ornaments which have shown how we’ve grown from just my husband and me to a family of 4. Every time we go on a trip, I make a point to purchase an ornament commemorating that vacation. Other ornaments have been given to me/us over the years. I can still tell you who they are from and the occasion. Each year we get our sons each an ornament representing the past twelve months year in some way. Sometimes those ornaments represent recent interests (i.e. a construction truck ornament the year one was enamored with bulldozers), other times favorite activities (i.e. a hockey skate). And I, of course, hang those handmade ornaments the boys bring home from school without fail each year.
Having a tree adorned with ornaments that represent both our past and present is equivalent to having our tree decorated with warm memories. Obviously, the Christmas season is so much more than a tree. Many would say Christmas is a feeling. For me, that feeling is the joy of knowing that our Christmas ornaments connect generations of past with the generations of new. It is a time to show my sons what it means to share stories and keep memories alive and while continuing traditions, in your own way. And, for this sentimental sap, it’s my favorite part of the season and I look forward to watching our ornament collection grow as our traditions continue.
Trinity Rep explodes with activity that feeds the soul and inspires dialogue through unparalleled theatrical experiences. Recognized nationally for excellence and innovation, and cherished locally for high quality and diverse programming, we are proud to be a creative home for Rhode Island’s artists, audience, students, and community partners. Trinity Rep’s annual production of A Christmas Carol has been a Rhode Island family holiday tradition for more than four decades.
