Dec. 3, 2020 — What a difference a year makes, eh? Twelve months ago, Cardie Jayme Soulati sent us the story below about the joys of writing her holiday cards, pulling out the ornaments and decorating her tree. So many Cardies said how much they enjoyed her tale at the time, we thought we’d run it again, now … meanwhile, Cardie Jayme has become Cardthartic’s Marketing Director! What a wonderful reminder that great, unexpected things are always right around the corner. Enjoy!
“To me, Christmas begins with the tree. Of course, before I put it up, I drag my feet a few days mumbling that it’s heavy, it’s not going to fit, my daughter is a teenage Scrooge, and every other excuse not to jump into the holiday spirit. Then, with a sigh and ‘enough already,’ I push to get ‘er done.
“Whether green or white, or even pink, our boughs are adorned with memories sparked by glass orbs, figurines, initials, memorabilia and every Santa Claus, snowman, and angel imaginable. Distinctly, my late sister’s presence lives on through the oddly funky ornaments she ordered for me as a teen from the old Lilian Vernon mail-order catalogs. (Remember those? Kinda full of good junk that got you to order every time a new catalog came.) Perhaps it was Tracey’s way of telling me how ‘oddly funky’ I was to her! :) In her
memory, each year I unwrap the three glass alien-like dolls and fondly guffaw before packing them back in the bottom of the ornament box to live out their lives. Other faves I unwrap carefully with a nod and ‘Ooh, yes, this one I love,’ and ‘Oh, mom, you didn’t have to buy this one (‘cuz I really don’t like it, but will hang it anyway :).’
“Through our Christmas tree, a parade of people and places comes to life. They speak through each ornament celebrating a milestone — turning 16, graduation, having a baby — and fondly bring me back to all the people who’ve walked my path.
When the tree is finally, fully decked — with the angel topper on and lights twinkling — the rocking chair beckons. I sit, mesmerized. With each glance at this ornament and that, the tears trickle as those symbols of life, friendship, love, and family live on even after that special someone doesn’t.
“Here in my heart and home, the Christmas tree holds symbols of life — my life — and all who have touched it. When my card order arrives, I’ll sit by my beautiful tree and pen messages to those who make my life merry and bright, just as the card above says, “In this season of hope and promise … “
I loved this story so much, Jayme. Thank you for sharing it, as it evoked a lot of familiar feelings.
For the first two years after my mom passed away, I didn’t put up a tree – every little bit of jolly made me sad, but over time, I realized that the season actually represented the essence of who my mom was: festive, kind, bright, sweet, joyful… so, after time – and with Sean’s gentle nudging – the tree went back up. Now, when we prepare it, we see it as a nod to my mom (and really, to all of those who are no longer here with us or simply can’t be, with Covid and all). Since our first year of marriage, we’ve made it a point to buy at least one new ornament during one of our travels every year. Over the past eight years, we’ve accumulated traditional trinkets from Germany, a bright Danish heart, an Eiffel tower, a very festive and adorable rat (from NYC), and even a commemorative orb from aboard a Naval ship (an homage to seven years of active military duty). Much like you, our hope is that as we look at our tree every year, we’ll be reminded of our stories – and of how all of those stories stem from the two people who first wrote mine (my parents). That tree tradition, once abandoned amid grief, now brings me such deep joy. ✨ And for that, I’m so very thankful.
Wishing you all a joyful season!
Jayme, wonderful story & I felt as though I were there with you as you unwrapped your ornaments & memories. Every year when I pack everything away I wonder what the year will bring. I never anticipated the year we’ve had!
Jayme, loved your story.
Like you, I have that weird ornament – a yellow dog with a goofy grin and a red fedora! – that one of my nephews gave me. It generally makes its way to the back of the tree – but I can see if it I snuggle into the corner of the sofa. Then there are the ornaments with names scribed on the bottom – one representing each of us the year my oldest sister and her family were home for Christmas. Her sons and I painted ornaments and then presented them to Grandma (my mom). When Dad passed I inherited all those little gems.
And that’s how I feel about the ornaments – little gems of memories that I unwrap each year. We’ll put up the tree some evening this week , and I’ll be sure to fall asleep, probably staring at that weird dog!