Each year as we start decorating for Christmas I am never prepared for the rush of emotions that overcome me as I open the box of ornaments to hang on the tree. Ornaments have a special place in my heart, and while I have been known to break my fair share each year, they are by far my favorite part of Christmas.

The ornaments serve as a reoccuring history lesson for my kids. Each ornament in our collection has a story - a place in our family history when hung together on the tree, symbolizes all the chapters in our book. There are the “Baby’s First Christmas” ornaments, the White House ornaments, ornaments for our hobbies, ornaments from the places we have travelled, and ornaments that remind us of those who have become angels. But there are 6 ornaments on the tree that mean more to me than all the rest. These are my favorite 6 ornaments from a group that my mom made years ago.

These ornaments are so simple and so inexpensive to make, but they are absolutely priceless to me. When I was little, my mom sewed almost all my clothes. She made dresses, tops, matching outfits for us, and she used the scraps to make ornaments for the tree. I doubt that she could have ever imagined the gift she was creating at the time, as she cut out the scraps of material and carefully glued them onto inexpensive styrofoam balls. She carefully picked coordinating trim, rick rack, and pompoms to give each ornament its finishing touch.

It occurred to me the other day that there is a trunk of scraps in her basement still and I know I have some from the dresses for my flowergirls. I immediately went out and bought the styrofoam balls, glue and trim. I think it is time to expand my collection. My girls are old enough now that they can help, too. I hope that 30 years from now, they can enjoy a gift from me - one that they open year after year - one that becomes more precious over time.

This post is part of the Holiday Traditions carnival hosted by Mom! ImBored! as part of the MomGadget Carnival of Red Hot Bloggers.