Respectfully alluding to a historical event that is celebrated
worldwide, I am thinking now of every parent celebrating “Baby’s First
Christmas”. Commemorative baubles for the tree are treasured adornments that
are carefully stored and unwrapped with emotion every year. Sometimes a history
of tree-trimming evolves as children become able to take part, homespun or
school-crafted decorations are often included – special contributions.
When I was growing up, Christmas Eve tree-trimming was begun by my Dad,
and it was sometimes a frustrating event when he couldn’t arrange the lights
symmetrically the first time, or didn’t test them first – with disappointing
results. Eventually my brother, sister and I were allowed to start hanging
decorations. It was important that each strand of tinsel be hung individually –
sometimes a tedious method for youngsters who were agog with lights and
promise! I sometimes wonder if my Dad actually re-arranged everything after we
were asleep…
In more recent years I have embraced the habit of decorating my own
tree – each year with a different colour theme. It’s fun and can be really
economical if decorations and specially-selected accessories are acquired
slowly and during Boxing week clear outs when Santa has gone back to the North
Pole! If you’re entertaining family or friends for New Years, simply remove the
tree-topper and replace it with a glittered top hat from the Dollar-store®
outlet or Dollarama®. Three, five or seven tooting horns can be laid across the
branches too – it’s really festive!
Whether this year is your first, one of many or a specially-inspired
yuletide, celebrate with enthusiasm and sparkle. Everyone can find fulfillment,
however small it may feel, in marking this special Season as if it is your
First Noel.
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