Wednesday, December 13, 2017

More than an Ornament by Melanie D. Snitker


If someone were to walk into our living room today and take a look at our Christmas tree, they might think it's an unorganized mess. There is no obvious theme with ornaments of every color, shape, and type along with candy canes, and multi-colored lights. Not only that, but some of the ornaments are clumped, with more hanging on the middle and lower part of the tree (because that's where the kids can reach).

I have to admit I love it like this because when I look at our tree, I see memories. Each of those ornaments are more than just an ornament, they are like a photograph that reminds me of a moment in time. 


Growing up, my parents let me and my brothers pick out one ornament a year. My mom meticulously wrote down when we got the ornament and how old we were. I remember the anticipation of getting them out each year to hang them up, and how I would play with them on the tree as a kid. With the exception of a couple that have broken (namely due to a cat who once knocked our Christmas tree down), I still have all of those ornaments from my childhood: The pretty frosted Christmas tree from my first Christmas, the pretty little cardinal, and even Miss Bianca that we got from McDonalds the year the "Rescuers Down Under" came out in theaters. 


My husband and I continue to collect an ornament a year as well. Hallmark began releasing the Snowball and Tuxedo ornaments that second Christmas after we were married, and we haven't missed one of them yet. Our first Christmas together as a married couple, my sweet husband gave me an ornament. It was Droopy the dog with mistletoe hanging off his hat and a sign that said, "Pucker Up Baby." I remember laughing and blushing profusely. It's still one of my favorites! 

Now we carry on that tradition with our kids and allow them to pick one favorite ornament to add to the tree each year. Between that and the precious handmade ornaments we make ever season, the tree is an absolutely beautiful conglomeration of memories. 

If you decorate for Christmas, what kind of ornaments do you use on your tree? Is your Christmas tree themed? Do you have a favorite ornament? I'd love to hear from you!

~*~


A marriage of convenience isn't exactly what she had in mind.

After a rocky start, Rachel Peters finally has her life on track. Then a tragic accident takes away her sister and leaves her to raise her niece, Kendra, alone. About to lose custody of her last blood relative, Rachel is desperate to prove she can adequately care for her niece. On the verge of running away to keep Kendra, a new friend offers Rachel an opportunity she can't refuse.

Brandon Barlow has long admired Rachel. When her world begins to fall apart, he feels led to help. A marriage of convenience would enable him to provide Rachel and Kendra with a stable place to live, proper health insurance, and a viable shot at staying together. Once Rachel gained full custody of her niece, the marriage could be annulled.

His plan provides the perfect solution, until Brandon realizes he's fallen in love with Rachel. Through love and patience, can he help Rachel realize that, even when she experiences storms in her life, she's never alone?

~*~

6 comments:

  1. Melanie, each year since our first granddaughter was born, I've done photo ornaments. We now have three granddaughters and the tree is filled with their ornaments.

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    1. I love the idea of photo ornaments. How fun to look at each one and see how much they've grown from year to year.

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  2. Melanie, I love ornaments, too, and our tree is decorated with a hodgepodge of homemade and special ornaments. And Mary, what a great idea about the photo ornaments.

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    1. The homemade and special ornaments are wonderful! I love how unique each tree is.

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  3. I have a dated ornament for every year since hubby and I have been married.

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