Mixing Old with New: Lauren's Christmas Traditions
For me, Christmas ornaments are far more than just holiday decorations—they are part of a legacy.
December 19, 2024 - Lauren Perry | 3 minute read
Christmas is a time for family, reflection, and the traditions that bind us together. For me, one of the most cherished traditions in my family was the annual gift of a Christmas ornament. Each year, my mom carefully selected an ornament for each of us—a symbol of that year's unique milestones, personal passions, or unforgettable memories. The thought was simple yet profound: when we left home as young adults, we would carry with us a collection of ornaments, each representing a piece of our family history.
In our house, we had two Christmas trees that each told its own story.
Upstairs, an elegant tree stood tall, adorned in shimmering silver and gold. Downstairs, the basement tree was a lively, mismatched celebration of colour, lights, and cherished trinkets. While their styles were vastly different, both trees shared one common thread: they were filled with memories.
But what made those trees truly special were the ornaments my mom gave each of us. These were more than decorations; they were markers of the time we spent together, the milestones we reached, and the love that shaped our family.
When the time came for us to leave the nest and start new chapters in our lives, we each took our collection of ornaments with us. Now, as I decorate my own tree each holiday season, I hang those same ornaments with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. They remind me of the traditions that grounded us, the memories we created, and the love that continues to live on, year after year.
For me, Christmas ornaments are far more than just holiday decorations—they are part of a legacy.
They serve as a tangible connection to home, wherever life takes me. Every time I hang one on my tree, I’m reminded that the best gifts aren’t always the ones we unwrap—they’re the ones that grow in meaning over time, becoming treasured symbols of love, family, and tradition.