Welcome dear readers to the beginnings of discussions about traditions, Christmas, meaningful gifts, and frugality! I wrote about Gifts from the Heart in March when I introduced the Memory Album, and today we continue the conversation with ornaments that are treasured, not because they are innately valuable, but because of what they represent.
A few years ago, my dear hubbie and I were looking for Christmas gifts for the family that placed less stress on the budget, but packed more joy. We came upon an idea-I don’t recall where, unfortunately-of the yearly tradition of giving ornaments accompanied by a short, heartfelt note. These were not your garden variety, just run into Hallmark and grab the nearest tree decoration type ornament.
Oh, no.
These required some thought and purposeful execution.
Our first task was to really think about the recipient, and what it was about them this year that we wanted to celebrate: their personality, lifestyle, or a funny or embarrassing memorable event in their past. We then went in search of an ornament that showcased that trait or moment. Now, it is possible to do a local search and come up with the perfect ornament. If not, we move on to the next step.
The auction website Ebay became our best friend, as we plugged in searches for all kinds of terms: funny, embarrassing, shopper, talker, etc. I would say there is an ornament in a wide price range for just about anything we could wish to celebrate, as well as for things we wouldn’t…
That said, what if all that we found still wasn’t just quite what we wanted, or was over our budget? Sure, the amazing glass vintage ornament was just perfect, but it was $99. And the recipient had small children and pets. Nix that idea.
Onto Plan B.
Which actually, is our favorite, because it’s where we get to be really creative and tap specifically into the area that we wish to commemorate.
Hence, the story of the monkeypants girl, ie, my sister Cindy.
Keith came up with the idea of showcasing Cindy’s favorite breakfast/lounge attire: her yellow flannel monkey print pajamas, because they just typified everything about her, especially her casual and fun nature. In addition, she has always worn them with such flair!
After searching and doing some brainstorming, we bought a small, clear round ornament to use as our base, and covered the ball with blue primate-themed fabric (alas, we couldn’t find yellow anywhere). Keith-who is more the artiste than I-also glued coordinating ribbon around the ornament, along which he had written “Limited Edition” and “2008”. Voila! We had an ornament as unique as my sister.
Using a small, blank Christmas card, we wrote and dated an amusing note to Cindy, which we tucked into the box alongside the ornament, now filled with love and laughs and her one of a kind Christmas decoration. Do not skip writing the note, and do not underestimate the importance of it as a part of this gift. It is through our words that we tell a story, share a memory, or resurrect an amusing anecdote from the past, that will forever bring a smile to the face of the loved one we blessed with our present every time they open that box.
Otherwise, how do they explain monkeys cavorting on a Christmas ornament to their kids?
Speak Your Mind