They were gifts I could always count on.
I think I might have met my Aunt Char once when I was real young. Yet, she holds a real presence in my heart. When my sister and I were kids, we knew there was always a package coming from Aunt Char. We would put the wrapped parcel under the tree, proclaiming, “It’s another ornament.” Then we’d go back to snooping at the other gifts.
I thought they were pretty as a young girl. It was fun to see what she had created this year, but how much attention do you give to a tree ornament when there are boxes and bags of fun toys to play with?
Aunt Char’s ornaments weren’t store bought. They were hand-painted. My sister and I would get similar pieces, but there were always subtle differences between them. Something that made each one special.
Years later, after all those toys have broken or been given away, these ornaments are still alive and well. I can’t remember a single other gift I received the Christmas of 1985, but this ornament has graced every tree since then.
I was saddened after the great Christmas tree accident of ’10 to find that this ornament was a casualty. Luckily, the break was clean, and it was easily superglued. She lives on.
The rest of them are just as special. I’m thankful that an aunt who barely knew me put in the time and effort to create such beautiful works of art that make me smile each and every year.
Thanks, Aunt Char. These ornaments are prized and cherished.