The first year Hubby and I were married, we didn’t put up a tree because we were living in South Carolina where he was stationed in the USMC and planned to return to PA for Christmas.
The second year we were married, our son was 6 weeks old and we weren’t planning to do a tree that year for the same reason–going home for Christmas.
Hubby received orders to 29 Palms, CA. We left South Carolina. DS #1 and I moved back to PA while Hubby finished out his enlistment. He came home for Christmas and we put up our first tree. We didn’t have a lot of money, so I made beaded candy canes and wreaths to decorate our tree. My mom crocheted us the adorable stockings. I add the candy canes and wreaths each year to remind us of those humble times when money was tight…it’s not exactly flowing now, but we’ve come a long way.
The stockings remind me of Mom and the larger stockings she made for us when we were kids. Mine is in my cedar chest. When Hubby and I got married and had our boys, she made us a set, but I packed them away because they were getting worn. I wanted my boys to be able to have theirs when they had their families. It’s all about tradition, you know.
Lisa, I didn't know you had a blog! And now I see that you have two!! I loved reading your two posts on the ornaments! I think that's one thing I love so much about Christmas, is the special effort we make to remember the past, both good and hard times.
And "middle age"?? (I read your other post where you're holding the baby.) You're not a day over 21 are you? 😉