Loss and Perspective

The other night we decorated our Christmas tree.  As I was pulling out all the Christmas stuff from the various hiding places (what, you think I'm organized enough in my new house to have it all in one place?), I smelled a distinctly musty smell.  This was to be expected - a lot of it is really old.

But when we opened up the plastic container that held most of the ornaments that we've had since I was a kid (or earlier), it became clear that this was no ordinary musty smell.  Water had gotten into the box when the basement flooded a few months ago, and there was thick mold growing over most of the ornaments.  Anything that was made of paper, cloth, or vegetable matter was ruined.

Among the ruined ornaments were many that my late mother collected (I miss her so much during the holidays especially), and many that my sister and I made as children.  As much as I enjoy the holiday season - and I really do - there's been a big hole there for the last six years since my mom died.

I'm really sad that we lost these treasures.  I had a good cry about it.  But I'm okay.  In this year that has seen such devastation from natural disasters, I think of all the thousands and thousands of people who have lost everything, and can't get too upset.  I am blessed with so much. 

Including a wonderful family.  I gave Scott an early gift of the Santa hat that I knitted this weekend (he saw the pom pom sticking out of my knitting bag), and he loves it.  Is there any better feeling than seeing a giftee not want to take off the thing you made for them?

Specs -

Yarn: Plush & Frog Tree Merino held together for the white parts (I wanted the brim really soft); Lamb's Pride Bulky for the red part

Pattern: made up on the fly... if anyone wants it, email me and I'll jot it down for you.

Comments

[sarah b.]

Sorry to hear about your ornaments. I totally relate to the memories that something as simple as Christmas decorations can carry and would likely react the same way. Glad to hear that your super cute santa hat was received well!

[patricia]

I'm really sorry about the ornaments. It sounds like you're handling it alot better than I would (which probably isn't saying much.)

Merry Christmas.

[Julie]

So sorry about your ornamnets! We had a flood one year and lost a lot of handmade ornaments that our neighbor (really like a grandmother to me) made before she lost her eyesight. I know how upsetting it is.

Hope the rest of the festivities go better than the tree trimming!

Happy Holidays!

[Karola]

I love the hat.. so sorry about the loss of your treasured ornaments... hugs too i'm happy that he loves the hat so much that he won't take it off.. perfect! :-) hugs karola