Ornament Record Keeper

Every since I posted about our tree trimming ceremony, I have received so many questions as to how we keep track of all those ornaments. Its very easy with this pretty little notebook I made to record all my additions to our ornament collection.

I had to have something to keep up with all of the ornaments as the collection grew.

So many of my ornaments were given to me by my clients in my former life as a hairdresser. My mother always gives me a new hallmark ornament at Christmas. Not all of the ornaments were given to me though. Some of them I acquired as I traveled with my job or when we were on vacation. Many of them have been made by my children and myself which obviously means more than I can say. Several of them are worn out and look a little sad but I must keep them because they were my grandmothers. I remember them in their glory, hanging on her tree mesmerizing me with their beauty.

When we hang these ornaments on the tree, a vivid memory comes back with the ornament. This is the main reason I keep a record. I never want to forget or my children to forget. Not the ornament but the person, the place, or the activity associated with the ornament.

If your collection of ornaments is growing you might want to think of decorating a notebook for yourself too.  So many in your family will appreciate it as time marches on. I guarantee it! ;-)

The Blessed Star Tradition

This Blessed Star is a delightful tradition to introduce to your house during the holidays. You will find that it moves the focus back to where it should be during the season even though we are constantly bombarded with the material aspect of the holiday. Ever year I make at least twenty of these to give away as gifts. They are always very well received. I had to hunt down where and how I was introduced to this. This was such a difficult task due to the overwhelming collection of books I have on Christmas ornaments and traditions. Diligence does pay off though. I discovered it in my Making Memories book "A Season of Giving". They also have another book "A Season of Joy", both are loaded with ideas to stir your creativity.

The book suggest you make a  paper mache star ornament to attach with the poem but I have used stars made from all types of materials- wooden, tin, paper, and wire.  The main thing is to embellish the star with a tag that says "Blessed".  After you decide what star ornament you are making just attach the following poem to it. Voila! You have an instant gift that is sure to be treasured for years to come.

The Blessed Star

Here’s a magical Christmas star

with a tradition old and true

may it bring you warmth and love

from our home to you.

Now everyday ‘til Christmas

find someone in your home

and secretly do a deed of love

so your identity won’t be known.

And when the secret act is done
place the star upon their bed.

They in turn do a secret deed

for another, it is said.

And like the star so long ago

lit the sky for all to see

may this star bring light and joy

to your sweet family.

Author unknown

Here are a couple of links to inspire you to create a special star:

Beaded star

wooden star ornament

tin stars
paper stars
wire star,
another beaded star