Decorating the Christmas tree and loungeroom is something of a Christmas tradition in our house, just not quite the tradition I thought it was going to be. I must confess I had visions of all the family helping decorate, taking turns to hang ornaments, drinking eggnog (we don't do eggnog), listening to Christmas carols (yeah right ... the boys would stage a boycott) and sharing favourite Christmas memories.
Here's how it really is; it might not be the tradition I envisioned but it's ours and I treasure these times. Callum (17yr old) and I now decorate the tree on the 1st Dec or the first weekend after the 1st (give or take depending on enthusiasm.) This year Mike also helped; we have a glass of wine and listen to Callum's choice of music lol. We have an eclectic mix of decorations, old and new, hand-made by the boys and my niece, hand me downs from mum and her mum, store bought, glass, tin, wood, felt, plaster, Australian like the little banksia cherub and international and many of them hold special memories.
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| Our Christmas Ornament Memories |
When Mum was alive it was her tradition to buy each family a new Christmas decoration to add to their collection. We've continued the tradition and buy a new ornament or decoration each year, the tin santa with skates below was our 2010 addition.
We put Taleah's Nativity Windmill on the dining room table each Christmas, this was bought by a close friend in memory of our baby girl the 1st Christmas after she passed away. It's 21 years old and now missing a blade from the windmill but when the candles are lit the windmill spins and in a small way it feels like Taleah is sharing Christmas with us.
Callum is also the one who helps me do the Christmas treat cooking the week before Christmas. Christmas Eve is usually a traditional roast, then Christmas day is usually seafood and cold meats, family photos, followed by a swim in the pool as this time of the year in Australia is soooo hot :)
Here's one
of our family favourite Christmas treats; I make them every year for family and friends. Homemade Ferrero Rochers ~
way yummier than store bought ones!
Ingredients:
400gm
Nestle milk chocolate melts1tblsp copha
10 ice-cream wafers
1 small packet macadamia nuts
1 small jar nutella
crushed almonds (optional)
Method:
Gently melt
chocolate and copha and stir until combined (in microwave at 50% power) or on
stovetop.Stir in finely crushed wafers.
Half fill ice cube trays with teaspoon of
chocolate mix
Place macadamia nut (whole or halved) on mixture.
Place 1/2 teaspoon of nutella on each nut and top off with more chocolate mixture.
Optional: sprinkle with crushed nuts.
Place in freezer for 5 mins to set then pop out of ice cube tray and store in fridge
Whatever you are doing this Christmas I do hope you and yours are blessed with good health, love, laughter and happiness.
Place macadamia nut (whole or halved) on mixture.
Place 1/2 teaspoon of nutella on each nut and top off with more chocolate mixture.
Optional: sprinkle with crushed nuts.
Place in freezer for 5 mins to set then pop out of ice cube tray and store in fridge
Whatever you are doing this Christmas I do hope you and yours are blessed with good health, love, laughter and happiness.
Such wonderful memories!! I loveeeeeeeeee the photos!! :):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteI like the tradition your mother had done with buying ornaments; glad you continued it on! I am sorry for the loss of your daughter; I know it was years ago but I know she is always missed.
ReplyDeleteCute ornaments and story on the decorating of the tree! I hope you have a very merry Christmas!
betty
Oh my goodness those chocolates look fantastic! We couldn't have them in our house because of allergies, but they do look so good!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing your decorations and memories with us, and for joining in on the tour this year!
The traditions are never quite what you think they might be, but it looks like Callum helps make good ones. I like your mix of ornaments-that's what we do too. I can't imagine Christmas being hot!
ReplyDeleteI've had many of those visions of the family memories/traditions we were going to create, but they never seem to work out. But, like you, when I quit worrying over it being perfect, it turns out to be a wonderful time and beautiful memory. The chocolates look wonderful - so many tempting things to try this time of year.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely post.
Thanks for sharing the lovely post. How we picture things rarely turns out to be how they are. At our house, the Christmas music usually gets ruled out by whatever hockey game is on tv.
ReplyDeleteOh oh oh! I love that Eeyore ornament that you have! So cute!
ReplyDeleteOur traditions don't always turn out the way we want them to... but that doesn't make them any less special. Thanks for sharing yours with us!
Oh, no. That is one dangerous-looking recipe and I fear we shall have no choice but to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! I'm just joining in on the Advent Tour for the first, time, myself. I'm enjoying the posts, too. I don't know why I've avoided the tour, in the past.
Love the decorations and the ornament tradition. And you're right...those look yummy and way better than a store bought item!
ReplyDeleteI love it! Our "traditions" are much the same... they dont come out as we have planned, but they are awesome all the same.
ReplyDeleteCurrently - my tree is not up. My college son who usually does this with me on Thanksgiving had a busy schedule when he was here so ... it did not get done. Now I am torn between doing it myself this weekend... music and wine a must! OR holding out until he is here this next week....
What wonderful decorations and a delicious recipe!
ReplyDeleteShelleyrae @ Book'd OUt
What lovely and fond traditions and memories you share. i love the ornament idea, and most of my ornaments are the ones my mom bought for us growing up. It's amazing the memories that can be stirred up by a little ornament. Have a very Merry Christmas my friend :)
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for the Christmas visit and wishes, I enjoyed sharing our photos and traditions. Whatever you're doing and whoever you're spending it with, hope your Christmas is blessed with love, laughter, health and happiness x
ReplyDelete