Today I took down my tree and while in the process, I dragged up all the Christmas stuff that was downstairs in the basement. I threw a lot of ornaments away that I didn't like and that did not reflect me and I found a lot of ornaments that I'd long forgotten about. Last year, 2007, was the year that I took Christmas back. I put up the big tree, strung the lights, but barely put any ornaments on it because of the cats (which blackie did find her way right into the middle of the tree).
Last year was a start but it didn't become a tradition. It was more of an attempt but not really sure where to go with it. I took the tree down two days after Christmas, I think, because it was important to get it down and get the new year started.
This year I had bought a small tree and I decorated it nicely but it did not hold all those favourite sentimental ornaments that I like (but didn't know that I had anyway). When I was going through all the ornaments, I did it in silence. So many were wrapped in yellowed newspapers and kept in old shopping boxes labeled Pogues and LS Ayers, which later became Hesses and then it was gone. One of them even had Happy Birthday Mom, from Roxanne and Kissy. I kind of felt bad for throwing them away but really, an old box that I have only seen maybe 4 times in the last 15 years? It's time to let it go. It is not like I am going to forget the names of my family and what is so great about remembering old stores that are long gone? Nostalgia I suppose. Just like the kids today love to shop at Abercrombie et al... When they get ot be my age, it will be something new. Maybe the Florence Mall, which was such a big deal when I was small, will be bulldosed over like the McAlpin's mall was. Some new concept to take it's place.
Anyway, back on topic. New tradition...Putting the tree up around the first week of Dec. and taking it down two-three days later (definitely by the 30th though). Brunch at Denice's, Going down to P. Park with the siblings to see their dad. I had fun and it was nice to feel included. Going through the ornaments and reassessing what I want to keep (because I know there were some that were boarderline). This Christmas was different than last year because I enjoyed it more fully as a single woman who was able to do what she wanted, when she wanted it and make her own way. It makes me feel both proud and secure to have that piece/peace.
Last year was a start but it didn't become a tradition. It was more of an attempt but not really sure where to go with it. I took the tree down two days after Christmas, I think, because it was important to get it down and get the new year started.
This year I had bought a small tree and I decorated it nicely but it did not hold all those favourite sentimental ornaments that I like (but didn't know that I had anyway). When I was going through all the ornaments, I did it in silence. So many were wrapped in yellowed newspapers and kept in old shopping boxes labeled Pogues and LS Ayers, which later became Hesses and then it was gone. One of them even had Happy Birthday Mom, from Roxanne and Kissy. I kind of felt bad for throwing them away but really, an old box that I have only seen maybe 4 times in the last 15 years? It's time to let it go. It is not like I am going to forget the names of my family and what is so great about remembering old stores that are long gone? Nostalgia I suppose. Just like the kids today love to shop at Abercrombie et al... When they get ot be my age, it will be something new. Maybe the Florence Mall, which was such a big deal when I was small, will be bulldosed over like the McAlpin's mall was. Some new concept to take it's place.
Anyway, back on topic. New tradition...Putting the tree up around the first week of Dec. and taking it down two-three days later (definitely by the 30th though). Brunch at Denice's, Going down to P. Park with the siblings to see their dad. I had fun and it was nice to feel included. Going through the ornaments and reassessing what I want to keep (because I know there were some that were boarderline). This Christmas was different than last year because I enjoyed it more fully as a single woman who was able to do what she wanted, when she wanted it and make her own way. It makes me feel both proud and secure to have that piece/peace.
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