Ornaments

Checking with resale shops for an item and found a display counter full of some one's old Christmas ornaments, clustered together in zip lock bags. Each bag was completely different. The first had more child-like orbs with a roll of ribbon. Another had several Hallmark ones of cartoon characters. One bag had a definite appeal to people of one particular nationality. Some bags had been dropped and the most delicate of all had turned into thin shards of beautiful metallic chaos. Just looking through them gave me a sense that I could almost get the gist of their all around interest and tastes. I didn't mean to, but I knew if they had been trying for a theme or just for practicality, like those most likely not to break. Now I bet you've already begun to think of what you might see in them, too.

Now, what do my Christmas ornaments say about me? I'm guessing that first they would tell a story of a pack rat who cannot release her hold on anything that might have a shred of a good memory attached to it. That's pretty true. Then they'd show the price tags of some that were great bargins but never even unpacked or hung. Next they'd make sure the number of storage tubs alone would shame a normal person, but after opening them you'd see why. Some are pretty special but one box alone has the most important dangles in it.

It's a red striped, soft-sided box that sits alone on the shelf. In case of emergency it would be the go-to object to leave the garage. Inside of this treasure chest are the ones embedded with memories that pull me straight back to my "little girls" lives. There is one made from construction paper cut out like a tree that stands on a re purposed plastic stick. All ten finger prints are on it , all in blue, red and yellow. There is the school picture on an egg covered in paraffin that keeps disappearing from the tree after it's subject comes over to visit. There's the small tin frozen juice lid that has a star punched into it with a hammer. Then there's the collectible angels, small nativity, first Christmas wooden soldier, and the old Christmas cards pasted together with a yarn loop inside. So many more, but now you know. I've got a lot of decorations, but when it all comes down to it, there are some I can't do without.

but then, that's the deal. I love my sweet memories more than I love my stuff. I'm trying to capture them in a single box. Do I really need a box to hold them? Of course not. But it's fun to try and to allow my mind to be reminded of a few I've forgotten. Now I bet those folks who discarded all the little Christmas trinkets are just like me, those were the ones they didn't miss. Hopefully somebody else will make a memory with them someday. You really don't need a box to collect some priceless treasures.