Tuesday, November 30, 2010

A garland of pearls . . .

I think this is the first Christmas item I unpack every year.  Of course, it is the first thing to go on the tree (after the lights) but it always puts me in the right mood.  Many years ago, I strung this garland made of pearls and other bits of broken jewelry. 


Contributions came from my mother, my grandmother and my mother-in-law.  My grandmother and mother are gone now.  Both leaving me within a month of each other - both right before Christmas.  Needless to say, Christmas has never been the same for me and I struggle every year. 


But this garland made of pearls reminds me of Christmas' past.  When we were all younger and family traditions were born.  The same traditions that I passed on to my children because the traditions were part of my mother and grandmother. 


As I hang this garland made of pearls on the tree and as it sparkles from the twinkling lights, I remember.  I am reminded of good times.  I am reminded that there are good times yet to be had.  I am reminded that I have been and still am truly blessed.

The Christmas decorations are spilling out all over the house.  I really should take a photo of the boxes because they will probably be out longer than the actual decorations.  Just like 'you have to spend money to make money' you have 'to have a mess before holiday decorating is accomplished'.

Get those Christmas boxes out, girls, and start foofing up your house.  Christmas is only 25 days away!


20 comments:

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Your garland is lovely and what sweet and precious memories it has for you. I look forward to seeing more of your decorations. Mine are a mess still but getting there!!

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I'm going to get started soon, too. Just have to finish up for my craft shows!

It has taken me 7 years to be able to put out anything that was my Mom's so I surely know just how you feel.

Createology said...

How special and wonderful that you have this tradition of putting the pearl garland on your tree each Christmas season. Even more special that it has memories and bits and pieces of those you love and miss. Blessings to you...

Sue@MyArtsDesire said...

Oh Connie, What a touching post. Made me all teary-eyed...

Your garland of beads is way precious and so beautiful. What a flood of memories it must unleash as you bring it out each year.

Sending some extra hugs for those harder parts of this Christmas season, Xo, Sue

Lee Weber said...

My tree is up. The lights are strung outside on the porch. The carolers are set up on top of the cabinets... and I still have boxes to go!! We moved 12/8 of last year, and I hardly decorated at all. this year I want to decorate the whole house. The boys even have lights in their room.

I love that garland, and the feelings it evokes for you. All of my grandparents are gone, and my dad. But I am lucky to still have my mom and stepdad. I know someday it will be hard without them, but I like the idea of having something of them at Christmas! So, now I'm off to make an ornaments with them in mind!

Happy holidays.

BECKY said...

Hi Connie! I LOVE this idea! I have some mercury glass garland that was on my tree when I was little that delights my soul the same way. But this idea is fantastic! I might be making garland for next year! What fun! Love this time of year! Love reading people's stories and traditions and this was a joy!

Blessings,
Becky

hiyaluv said...

oo i love that garland-so gorgeous:)gina

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

Hi Connie!!Im so happy you found my blog so I could find yours!! ;)Thanks so much for entering my first giveaway and posting about it!! HUGS,Rachel :) *FrenchFarmhouse425*

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

What a truly special garland, Connie! It's so nice to have family mementos and it's really a lovely piece, too! I just started decorating today...

Judy said...

How wonderful it is that you made that garland, it is a great remembrance of your loved ones, and may I add a fabulous idea! Have fun decorating!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Connie, I love the garland of pearls! There is a special ornament on our tree every year in remembrance of my mother. Take care and I hope to see you at my party.
Happy Holidays,
Sherry

Pam Kessler said...

What a great garland. It really is a priceless momento. This will be my first Christmas without my Mom, so I enjoyed reading about your Mom and Grandma.

Shabby Vintage Junk said...

Hello there Connie....!

What a GORGEOUS post....!! I LOVE your garland & the tradition & memories behind it....You just cannot buy 'that' from Target, nor can you feel the past through a cheap bauble made in China....!!

THANK YOU so much for visiting with us & helping to share our 100th post celebrations....I'll be sure to pop ALL your entries in the tub....!

Enjoy the rest of the week & your holiday decorating & memories.... :o) !!

Cheers from Australia,
Tamarah xx

Jill said...

That garland is gorgeous! We are actually pretty much done decorating here. Now, if I had only started shopping....

Bring Pretty Back said...

onnie, This garland is so very pretty! I love the name of your blog!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin

koralee said...

So pretty my friend...Yes...I am hauling out those boxes this weekend...plus doing 100 other things.
Thank you for posting my little giveaway button on your sidebar..you are way too sweet!

Happy creative and joyful weekend. xoxoxoxo

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Honey this is such a beautiful post and the garland is really very lovely.
I am happy that you shared this with us and wish things were easier for you around the holidays but I know how you feel I miss mine too very much.
Come by and join my giveaway
Love
Maggie

Pam said...

I love your precious post. I love that you have taken bits of memories and strung them together as a reminder of your blessings both past and present. It is very sweet, and it inspires me; I would love to do something like that. Thank you for sharing. I have been enjoying your blog for some time now.
Many Blessings,
Pam

Susanne said...

Your garland is gorgeous, what a great remembrance of you mom and grandmother.

I know what you mean about the boxes being out longer than the decor, by the time I finish playing it's about time to put it away. I have friends who say, "I put up all my Christmas decorations this afternoon." How is that possible?!

Plus here in TX no one seems to leave anything up into the new year. In MN I used to keep some things, like snowmen, up through Feb. Even left one fake tree up to re-decorate for Valentines.

Ya, I'm moving pretty slow here.
Susanne.

Lynn Stevens said...

Connie what a beautiful post and garland, What memories to hold dear to your heart. I'm sure the garland is beautiful on your tree, I'd love to see pictures of it all done up.
Hugs Lynn