A Timeless Tradition from My Father

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Dear Readers,

The countdown till the man in red arrives is getting shorter and shorter!  Despite the rush, this year seems a little more special since we were limited last season.  I caroled with neighbors around my block the other evening and many nights I have been savoring the holiday decorations of the city.  Yes, I am one of those New Yorkers who loves to go see the tree multiple times.  Presents are wrapped under the tree and cookie tins are filled and ready for plates to be assembled.  I have so many traditions for this time of year and one is actually inspired from my Father.  Every year of my life he has bought me an ornament.

Like many parents my Father and Mother bought me a traditional first Christmas ornament.  The next year my Father came home from work one evening with another ornament for me.  He wrote my name on the back along with the date.  My Mom found this gesture thoughtful and encouraged him to keep up this tradition.  As we grew to a family five, this tradition did continue.  There was always one weekend of December where we would all go out together to pick out our ornaments for that particular year.  Once home we would write our names and the date on the back. 
I still have a clear memory of being five and picking out my Dumbo ornament which presently hangs on my tree.  I love it just as much now as I did then. 

Although I am a grown woman, my Father still takes me to pick out an ornament each year.  Last year when I could not make it out for the holidays, he and Caleb, my sister’s son, picked out one for me together.  A glittery silver snowflake that presently twinkles in my tree lights. 

The beauty of this tradition is it has evolved in different ways for each of us.  For me each year I create and design a new ornament for the children in my life.  My friend’s daughter showed me a picture of all the ornaments I have gifted her over the years.  It warms my heart in a way I can’t describe to see her cherishing this collection so dearly.  A tradition that allows you to connect with loved ones on a deeper level is truly magical. 

I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season.  I leave you with my favorite lyrics from the Christmas song.  Yes, the Nat King Cole version is my favorite. 

And so I’m offering this simple phrase

To kids from one to ninety-two

Although it’s been said many times, many ways

Merry Christmas to you

Merry Christmas and warm wishes for a Happy New Year!

Love Always,

Kristina Lucia xoxo