I love this time of year because it means I get to pull out some “old friends.” Yes, that sounds crazy, but some of my Christmas decorations are like old friends, that by December each year, I can’t wait to say “hello!” to them. I have some special ornaments- that every year – I love to see and to put on our tree.

Of course the first one is the very first ornament that J and I got together to commemorate our first Christmas together. I love this little ornament. I hope when I am 80, I am still hanging it on the tree front and center.

J got me the Grinch ornament either that year or the next and I have always loved it – for years the Grinch dog, Max, reminded me of my girl, the Moo. I always think of her when I see this ornament. It was with a heavy heart I added them to the tree, but I have to know that my Moo, knows I am thinking of her this season.

My trio of teeny-tiny snowment that J and I got just a few years ago always makes me smile. They are SO tiny and so I hang them up high. But they are each so cute and different – that is what I love about them!

Lastly, as we celebrate Christmas this year, I am trying to make it more about the things we do together, as a family, with family and friends over the “stuff” aspect and this ornament is a great reminder of what I am working towards with my kids. Give someone a Christmas hug today, day “Happy Holidays’ to a stranger – not because you have to – but because you want to.