Reflecting On Personal Holiday Decorations [PHOTOS]
Candy Cane Reindeer
Cheryl HagenWe have many homemade decorations on our tree. My sister started the tradition, making all types of ornaments before I even had the need for a tree. Then her kids began to send them too. My kids have added to the collection as well. This Candy Cane Reindeer is one of several on our tree I get sentimental about. The kids grow up so fast. (On a side note, this ornament always gets hung higher up the tree so the dogs don't decide it makes a better snack than an ornament!)
Vintage Drum Ornament
Cheryl HagenMy husband made this drum when he was a little boy. The drum decorated Jerry's Christmas tree growing up, and my mother-in-law decided it was time to pass it on to us a few years back. Every time I hang it on our tree, I think about all of the Christmas days it has seen with Jerry's family and hope for many more wonderful holidays.
Cheryl and Jerry Church Ornament
Cheryl HagenOne of my very best friends gave Jerry and me this ornament for our first married Christmas. Penny had it made with our names painted on it and a replica of the church where we were married. Each year, I think of Penny, our wedding day and that first Christmas when I pull it out of the box.
Walnut Reindeer
Cheryl HagenMy sister's kids made me a set of three Walnut Reindeer years ago. They've since grown up, and moved away from home. I cherish these ornaments, and the many others my sister has made for me through the years. We don't often see them over the holidays because she lives in Georgia, her son's at Georgia Tech and daughter lives in Los Angeles. The ornaments though keep them all close at heart.
Colby's Photo Ornament
Joe Chille
We all have Christmas ornaments that our kids made. These are very special to Corinna and me, it is an ornament of Colby when he was little. We always chuckle because his head appears to take up the ENTIRE ornament.
Grace's Reindeer Ornament
Joe ChilleSimilar to Colby's ornament Grace (Colby's twin sister) has her own ornament but for fun she was wearing a reindeer nose when the picture was taken. She is quick to remind me all the time that it is a REINDEER and not a pig!
Vintage Ornament From Mom
Joe ChilleMy Mom loved Cardinals. They were her favorite birds. After my Mom's passing in 2009 my wife Corinna gave me this ornament to remember Mom by. I can just sit and stare at it, as it makes me think of the two most special women in my life!
Snow Balls Ornament
Joe ChilleThe kids LOVE this ornament...and the snowballs featured might be the only glimpse of the white stuff we see this Christmas morning...THINK SNOW...THINK SNOW!