While it was important to me to teach my children the joy found in tradition, I may have inadvertently taught them that change is not a good thing. As my kids are now in their teens, they have certain expectations of how things are done and will not deviate from the accepted practices of their youth. Christmas traditions are now set in stone at my house and are under full management of my children. Each year, my kids and I put up our family Christmas tree. My daughter will have already erected a hot pink or glitter covered tree in her room complete with the traditional tree topper tiara because nothing says Christmas like a crown of jewels. Her tree is decorated with tiny ornaments shaped like shoes and ornaments with pictures of loved family pets. After her room is all aglow with Christmas lights and glitter we will focus our efforts on the family tree in our living room. There is a very specific method in which we follow to put up this tree. I will start
Joey, Allie... This is for you. May these stories be like tiny feathers that will one day drift down out of nowhere, bringing back great memories and smiles. You have brought me true joy with your laughter and song. This is your roadmap back to your youth and my guide home when memories fade. What a blessing it has been! What a blessing it continues to be.