I used to be a crafter. I sewed, embroidered, knitted, crocheted, cross-stitched, and more. On my first Christmas as a married lady I made a yarn angel for our tree. Her wings were corn husks gathered on the farm where we lived, and her halo and skirt were netting from my wedding veil. And so began a tradition of hand-crafting a special ornament to celebrate each year of my marriage. Over time, I’ve begun to purchase some of the ornaments, but I always try to add something to make it more personal. Touching each ornament as I lift it out of the box brings back so many memories. It’s my most favorite Christmas tradition. I used to dream of having a tree decorated with just these special ornaments. I’m just about there.
Ornaments
On the tree I see
a yarn angel with corn husk wings,
a brown corduroy teddy bear,
a beaded crystal star,
ribbon remnants from a glass bell (shattered when it fell),
a tiny treble clef tucked in a grapevine wreath,
a macramé star,
a pewter dog paw.
Each has a story to tell.
Each celebrates
a milestone,
a memory,
a lifetime of love.
One for every year—
now forty-four and counting.
May you all make warm memories this holiday season.
Imagine the Possibilities 
Oh what a lovely tradition! I could picture each decoration in your poem. Thanks for sharing this with us today.
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I’m with you — I love taking out my ornaments and remembering where I got them (I’m not crafty like you making my own, but I’ve collected some lovely ones handmade by others). Thanks for your lovely poem!
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I have a very few that I’ve made & some with the children, but love your goal of one for every married year, Rose & the way the poem reads. It ‘travels’ down those years!
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What a wonderful tradition, to visit these ornaments like old friends every year! Congratulations on so many years and Christmas celebrations together.
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This reminds me of my tree. I love putting up my ornaments and remembering their stories,
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Congratulations on 44 years of marriage! I love ornament memories, too. We have many that were made or bought by loved ones who are no longer with us except in spirit.
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Love this tradition and this poem! So many of the ornaments on our tree are imbued with memory, too!
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Your poem highlights your beautiful tradition perfectly and congrats on your long and loving marriage. 🙂
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What a terrific idea! Oh the memories you have captured. I’m thinking of all the stories tucked safely on the evergreen each year.
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Rose, your poem reminds me how my wife performs similar actions when setting up the Christmas tree and its various decorations. Ideas and stories attach themselves to ‘things’ and you have celebrated this important fact in your poem. Traditions shine brightly at this time of the year.
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This is beautiful! I love the tradition and the stories that go along with it.
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Rose, your tradition is one-of-a-kind. I think personalizing a tree is unique. Your poem is a lovely reminder of what you treasure. Happy Holidays.
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