Christmas Stuff
Out of all the things and ‘stuff’ that I jettisoned in my recent downsizing, I really miss none of it.
Which brings me to talk about Christmas ‘stuff’. My husband had liked Christmas. He had liked decorating the house — sometimes too much for my taste — but that is a different topic. The point is, we had two large Rubbermaid containers, three large cardboard boxes, and a couple of large bags packed with Christmas decorations. Packed I say. Packed.
It was early fall when I first sorted through these items making my downsizing decisions. I emptied the two Rubbermaid containers and the rule I gave myself was ‘one’. Whatever I could fit into one container was what I could keep. The rest would be donated.
Some of those decisions were easy… like I said, there were more decorations than I ever wanted, so, justified through the rule of widow’s prerogative, the things I didn’t care for went first.
This past week I unpacked my one Rubbermaid container of the Christmas belongings; an overwhelming amount of decor for one small apartment. Another whittling down, another bag of goods to Goodwill.
Christmas and holiday decorations seem to inspire sentimental memories. Those feelings and memories generate attachment beyond all reason to raggedy sparkly bits of what anyone else would define as sad junk.
But guess what I am keeping? The raggedy bits of sparkle and glue that had been brought out year after year.
Shut up, I know you’ve got the same bits of glitter and sentiment hanging in the same spot you hung them last year.
Stay safe everyone.
Yup. I still have the little Santa that clung to the top of Mom’s Xmas tree. It has held pride of place for….let’s see, including the years spent on her tree and then mine…maybe fifty-five years?? Santa’s boots have been replaced…next are his mittens. Talk about sentimental…it just wouldn’t be Xmas without him!
That is amazing. Funny how memories and feelings seem to live in things. Sentimental value. Thank you for sharing this.
Normally the Polish have a reputation for making some of the most beautiful ornaments – however – not all of them are made of glass. I have the ugliest Polish Christmas Santa ornament made from felt, leather and perhaps wool fluff and is ancient, the boys moan every time they see it – but it is placed on the tree religiously – looks lovely next to my mirrored ball decs – LOL.
Dear Anonymous, that is a lovely tradition. Things don’t have to be beautiful to be kept. Thank you.
Lovely post. It’s the kitsch that finds its way to the tree or the mantel every year. Why would I part with bits of burlap, dusty pinecones, or woolen ornaments with glitter ? All were made with love by our son during those Montessori days almost 4 decades ago!
It’s the handmade ones that are so special. Some of the ones I’ve kept were given to James by clients and co-workers over the years. Who wouldn’t love 40 year old pine cones made with love and pride? Thank you.
OH Anne! I don’t know whether to be inspired or discouraged. I have my son’s nativity scene made of plasticene–probably 35 years old now–you can’t imagine what plasticene gets like in 35 years. Maybe I will get some plasticene and refurbish it this year…. the details of the baby and the robes of the three kings–oh dear!
Anne, I think this definitely qualifies as a keeper — it has meaning for you. Give it a place of honour and enjoy it, 35 years old, and all. Thank you.