A week ago, I had decided that I really wasn’t up to the pressure and stress of decorating for Christmas this year. Besides, I rationalized, I have a million other things to do. We are only going to be in town for a few weeks before traveling. Not to mention that I am just not feeling it this year. But then Asher asked me when we were going to “make Christmas” and the guilt began to seep in. So I begrudgingly headed to the basement, dusted off the tired boxes and halfheartedly threw some decorations around the house. I hated the way it looked, but to Asher it was pure beauty. He threw his arms around me and exclaimed, “Oh Mommy, that is the bestest Christmas tree I ever did saw. Oh Mommy, Mommy, thank you! Thank you for making Christmas!” It was all I could do to keep from sobbing. How could I have even considered not decorating??? How selfish of me to not consider what this all means for him this year!
With renewed enthusiasm and perspective, I set out to make the holiday special. If there is one thing that my upbringing has taught me, it is that holidays are a time to make memories through meaningful traditions and those traditions take place in a beautifully decorated environment. I remember my mother taking the time to make gingerbread ornaments with me and my sister when I was Asher’s age and I had planned to make the same salt dough ornaments. However, my little sister had the great idea of using the cinnamon dough recipe so I decided to follow suit. The boys were so excited to make the ornaments and did a great job at following directions. (And yes, if you are wondering, those are “dinosaur bone ornaments” on the cookie sheet. What Christmas would be complete without them?)
I had no plans for the ornaments, but I knew I needed to make a trip to Michael’s for some cheap ribbon to string through the holes. At Michaels I was completely re-inspired, the 60% off sale certainly had something to do with it. I’ve learned in the past that when I like something and the price is right I just buy it, even if uncertain of it’s purpose. I found some cute red-gingham ribbon for $.49, some garlands for $2, and some mini balls. Once home, I reworked my mantel, table centerpiece, and chandelier to accommodate the new decorations. I’m pleased with the results and the boys are thrilled to see their handiwork displayed so prominently.
Tomorrow we tackle the gingerbread house, so I’ll post more Merry Memory Making soon! Merry Christmas and God bless us everyone!
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Oops. I sort of just assumed that Chrissy and I used the same type of recipe but Shelley pointed out that we didn’t. All I did was take about 3/4 C of applesauce and mix it with about 1C of cinnamon. That’s it. Nothing else. No glue, water, paint, etc. They smell great and couldn’t be more simple.
Beth, did you just add cinnamon to the recipe that Chrissy had a link to? We made these growing up, too…
I hate fake stuff too (as you know), so yes, it’s the real deal. I’ll be vacuuming up pine needles until July, but it looks so much better and my house smells great. Tip: Most tree-trimming places have a huge pile of clippings for free. I’ve decorated my entire porch with them!
Fabulous as always. Is that real evergreen? I’m having an evergreen crisis over here. Hate my fake stuff (it’s admittedly cheap), but am afraid if I use clippings from the xmas tree, I’ll end up with needles everywhere well before xmas.
Looks incredible! I was not feeling it either this year, but kids really do inspire you to make the effort. It looks like you achieved what you wanted to with making memories and having traditions with your boys.
Love all your decorations!!! It looks great…. the ornaments look like they were especially fun to make.