Holiday Decorating – Hand Made

 

I love the Holidays!!!

I love the colors, the smells, the music, the laughter, and, of course, the food.

What I love most of all, though, is the decorating.

Every year I buy, or make, one or two new ornaments, one or two new pieces of kitschy Holiday jewelry. My Christmas tree has become very eclectic over the years. Victorian images vie for space among the toys, the glass, the crystal and the hand made offerings of my own three kids. With two grandchildren, I’m going to need a bigger tree….

There is something so special about handmade holiday ornaments. Whether created by a child, a heirloom handed down by a family member, something you do yourself, or something you buy, handmade is always more special than machine made.  Think about the time and love put into that piece. How special it was to the artist.

I have three tin cut-out Santas that my children colored in Sunday school when they were young.  They colored them in with markers and none of the colors are what you would associate with St. Nick, but my kids were so proud of those Santas.  They were done while we were stationed in Berlin in the early 90’s, so they are old now, some of the color is wearing off, but they are still among my most prized decorations.

I have a tiny cross-stitched decoration given to me by a dear friend at Fort Bragg back in the 80’s. She was just learning how to cross stitch that year and she was so proud of this tiny little thing she had given me as a gift. Like the Santas, that little Nativity scene gets pride of place on my tree, because of how special the creator was to me.

Handmade not only makes it special, it makes it different. Often it’s a one of kind item, something that the artist will never create again. Such a piece can become a family heirloom, handed down from one generation to the next with a special story, a special memory attached.  Whether it’s a clay ornament for the tree, a wreath or a special piece of dinner ware, it was made with love and care.

Whether you are continuing a family tradition or just starting traditions of your own, consider handmade this Holiday Season.  Just one piece, decoration for your home or a piece of jewelry for yourself or loved one, will give you memories for several lifetimes.

Written by Bluerosedreamer

Tags: Chanukah, Christmas, christmas decorations, christmas tree, family traditions, Handmade, handmade decorations, handmade jewelry, heirlooms, holiday decorations, holiday jewelry, holidays, home decor, tableware, traditions

Posted in Handmade, Handmade Holiday, Promote Handmade, Spread the Love