Christmas ornaments and the sounds of the holiday season...

In the tender embrace of Christmas, where melodies weave tales of joy and merriment, there lies a poignant truth. While the season whispers promises of warmth, for many, it unfolds as a tapestry of heartache and teardrops. I, too, have danced amidst these contrasting notes, a symphony of emotions that once harmonized within the span of a single day. The exhaustion of navigating through these varied hues has etched Christmas into my soul—a season where, at times, retreat seemed the only solace, a sanctuary from a world adorned in festive cheer.

Yet, amidst the echoes of my past, a gentle transformation unfolds in the simplicity of this year's Christmas with my beloved spouse. Our tree, adorned not with extravagant embellishments, but with the fragments of our journey since the inception of our love story, stands as a testament to resilience. Each ornament, a vessel of memories, carries a story, some written in the ink of moments I yearn to erase. Still, within those shadows, I discovered the alchemy of becoming a better version of myself—a person, I believe, MorMor and Abuela would gaze upon with pride.

In the soft glow of our modest Christmas, the ornaments shimmer not only with the sparkle of festive lights but with the radiance of transformation. It is a quiet celebration, where the depth of our shared history intertwines with the promise of a brighter future. As we stand beneath the branches heavy with tales, I find solace in the realization that, despite the hardships, I have emerged stronger, and Christmas, once a complex melody, now plays a simpler, more harmonious tune.

This is one of the oldest sets of ornaments we put on our Christmas tree each year. This time he hung them as I asked, "Could you please have them hold hands this year?"

These tiny sweaters hold a special place in our home, not just for their cozy threads but for the memories woven into every stitch. Acquired in the quiet aftermath of Christmas during a Target sale, they symbolize a time when our resources were scant, yet our hearts were rich in resilience.

This was given to us the year that Annie passed away. 

Our friends found it at a store in Leavenworth, WA.

Back then, our modest means were pooled in a change drawer, collecting every penny and dime we could spare. Curious about their age, I turned to my husband. His eyes narrowed, focusing on these miniature garments as if deciphering the passage of time. "I think those are over 20 years old," he declared. If my memory serves me right, that aligns with the year I faced the challenges of a hysterectomy, navigating through school with sheer determination.

When we moved to Idaho we planted a large garden and then the ladybugs moved in. They would sometimes sit on my lap as I drank my morning coffee outside. We loved seeing them every morning.

It was also the same year when, against the odds, we found ourselves amid the pristine beauty of Wallace Falls. On a day when my pain levels allowed, we engaged in a spontaneous snowball fight, the laughter echoing against the backdrop of nature's serenity. Seeking warmth, we later cozied up with hot cocoa at a humble truck stop. Amidst the hushed tales of others, we sat in shared silence, a language only understood by hearts entwined.

Hallie was still alive when Kevin purchased this in a small store in Idaho. Nutmeg came home to us that year. We miss Hallie more than anyone can know. I cried when I hung this on the tree this year.

It was a year marked by tears outnumbering smiles, making each fleeting grin a treasure. In those moments, the weight of challenges illuminated the value of joy, and these little sweaters, snug with stories, stand as a testament to a time when every smile, no matter how scarce, was cherished like a precious gem.

As this moment unfolds, allow me to share a bit of auntie wisdom, as aunties often do. Take a journey into the corridors of your memories, my dear, and hold onto the good times like a cherished heirloom. Picture yourself in the years to come, an old soul regaling tales with your grandkids, relishing those treasured moments that time can never steal.

I once picked my husband up from a designated spot post-hike. He had come face-to-face with a bear who was nonplussed by his presence. We found this ornament that year.

And amidst the rush of life, pause to gaze at the lights that adorn the neighborhoods around you. Let their warm glow be a balm to your spirit, allowing the feelings of joy and care to seep deep into your soul. These lights, like the stars in a timeless sky, illuminate the beauty woven into the fabric of your existence.

During COVID we were told to shelter in our homes in Washington State. As we all retreated the wildlife that had originally inhabited our area returned. This included a spotted owl that took refuge in our apple tree. Kevin found this ornament online.

As you move forward, tread with the awareness that every smile, no matter how fleeting, holds significance. Likewise, honor every tear, for it speaks to the depth of your emotions. Life is a tapestry woven with threads of both joy and sorrow, and in embracing both, you paint a richer, more profound canvas. So, my dear, journey forth with a heart attuned to the symphony of emotions, knowing that each note, whether of happiness or sorrow, contributes to the melody of a life well-lived.

Love,

Auntie Cheena