Putting up the Christmas tree is rather like opening a time capsule when I open the boxes that hold the decorations that go on the tree. Each ornament that gets placed on the tree holds a memory.

A few of my ornaments are from my grandparents tree and I recall so many fond memories of helping them put up their tree and decorate it. Some are from my childhood Christmas tree and a few are handmade ornaments that my mother made. I have ornaments from the Christmas tree that I put up when I was newly married and some that were created by my children and grandchildren.

Some of my ornaments hold travel memories! This one is from France, but I also have ornaments from other counties in Europe and from places all over North America.

I brought this one home from a small town in the Netherlands.

This one was a gift from a long time friend who worked with me in an ice cream shop when were both teenagers.

This Hummel angel reminds me of my travels in Germany.

And this ornament is a memorial to TJ, my favorite cat ever!

This is a very fragile old ornament that is from my grandparents tree. Most likely it is over 100 years old.

The Santa brings me wonderful memories of time spent in Russia and the warm welcoming people I met there who changed my perception of the world.

And although I could show you so many more, I'll end with this one from my dearest cousin who is the same age as me. We grew up near each other, went to school together, and spent every Christmas of our lives together. She loves nature as much as I do.

I'm enjoying my Christmas tree so much!