Each year I drag out fewer and fewer Christmas decorations. This year, with Covid hanging in the air, no one comes into the house. The decorations are just in two rooms and only for the two of us.
I notice each year the ones that are handmade. Most are handmade by my Mother-in-Law. She did not have much time on her hands with the full-time care of my blind and demanding Father-in-Law, but she was always generous and cheerful. When I received the handmade decorations each year, I am afraid I was not as effusive as I should have been. Oh, I thanked her and was appreciative, but looking at them now in my old age, I realize how much care went into each one. I also realize how far away my grandchildren are from appreciating anything handmade (other than friendship bracelets) in their digital world.
She made several of the ornaments on my small tree like the one in the photo below, all in different colors.
She also made these little stuffed Santa Shop characters that greet me as I walk up the stairs several times a day to my computer.
And leaning again the candle holder, made from a wine barrel stave (made by my brother and sister), I have propped these little felt ornaments. I cut off the little rocking horse on the right with this camera angle, accidentally.
While she did live with us for her last few years, I do so wish that sweet lady, who was given such challenges in her life, was back here so I could thank her properly!
well, perhaps my sister's grandchildren will eventually come to appreciate the handmade cross-stitch ornaments she has made and given them every year and never once receiving a thank you unless she handed it to them directly. she has opted not to make any this year nor did she last year.
ReplyDeleteThat's the hard part to wish we could say what we didn't enough. I missed having ornaments from home this year, which went back to our childhoods but this tree is taking on its own meaning. That's not a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean but of course I have the woo=woo habit of talking to departed family all the time. Rarely get an answer so I take that as a sign that I am not completely crazy.
ReplyDeleteI think we come to realize how precious our dearly departed, and living relatives/friends were/are to us the older we get and treasure any item from them more and more as time passes, knowing that it was/is their love to us that they were/are giving.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty scenic photos on the last post. Very nice...your mother-in-law did perfect jobs on those. At least you appreciate them now and you can remember her by them. I think young people just generally don't appreciate hand-made things. Andrea
ReplyDeleteYes, they are darling. And yes, I believe she knows. Yes, too, they did take a lot of work and time to make. What a loving lady.
ReplyDeleteI did not respond well to either mother in law. Paul's mother send regular letters with clippings in them. I don't remember if I ever responded. Georges mother thought I was way too old for G. She showed it. I was.
You are lucky to have special decorations to treasure. My favourites are those with memories. I don't have a tree this year, sad to say I can't be bothered but I have decorated the house for my own pleasure. I'm always happy to hear of those who appreciated their m-in-laws. I didn't belong in that camp but don't feel any regret for that.
ReplyDeleteYes, I suppose that we were the same with my mother's gifts, but they cause us to think of her now,and I think that is what she most wanted -- to be remembered. We all do.
ReplyDeleteIt seems, unfortunately, that it takes age to grow deep appreciation skills. But that's OK because we know that our young people will get there some day, just like we did.
ReplyDeleteYou thank her by enjoying those ornaments each year.
ReplyDeleteYour Motherinlaw was a talented lady. Her ornaments bring her love into your heart every time you think if her.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful homemade decorations. Such love went into them and now they can be appreciated more and more each year. I have similar ones my grandmother made for us each year and I did not treasure them nearly as much then as I do now.
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad that the young ones don't appreciate the old things. But as they age, maybe they'll come around. It's hard sometimes, but I keep holding on to the notion that all is not lost
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