Christmas in our family is a very special time. It’s a time for getting together and celebrating. The steamer trunk that my great Uncle John used when he came from Sweden is where Christmas ornaments are stored. We always go get a live spruce tree, string it with lights and of course make sure it’s not crooked in the tree stand.

Then it’s time to start unwrapping ornaments. Some of them have been in the family for a very long time. Some are from WW1 when my parents were first married.

There is one very special Christmas ornament that my Aunt Elaine made about 50 years ago. It’s of Mary and the baby Jesus. That one always gets a special spot tucked in the pine boughs.

There is also an angel blowing a trumpet that she made. That one is set up high, where the playful cats can’t get it. Some of the ornaments I have painted. They range from nostalgic holiday scenes to wildlife. Each ornament brings a memory when it’s unwrapped and placed on the tree.

We string popcorn and cranberries and carefully wrap it around the tree as a garland as a finishing touch. We don’t spend much money each year for additional decorations, but we do usually look for one special ornament to add to the collection.

One year it was a Precious Moments ballerina because my daughter is a dancer. We don’t usually look for particular brands, just something that has meaning to someone in the family.

The only theme that our Christmas tree decoration has is that each ornament we have means something special to a family member.

The rest of the house is usually trimmed with pine bough garlands and poinsettia plants. The tablecloth is red with a festive green runner. We also string some lights around the bay window.

In the evening, after the sun goes down, it’s so enjoyable to turn off the main lights in the house and turn the tree and window lights on. It is a special glow that is remembered from one year to the next.