When I decorate my tree, I love to select ornaments that have space for a special family photo. It is fun to marvel at how much everyone in our family has changed over the years. I also think a tree that is a scrapbook of your past Christmases is much more meaningful than one that looks like a generic department store display.
I make about half of my ornaments, but when I buy them, I love the Hallmark Keepsake ornaments. They have so many different designs every year that it’s easy to find something to suit almost every taste.
My favorite design for 2012 is the “Our Family” snow globe ornament. I have a small collection of snow globes that I put out every year and my tree is predominantly decorated in red, so this design fits in well with the rest of our holiday decor.
Hallmark ornaments come out in either July or October every year, depending upon the particular design. The “Our Family” design was introduced in stores in July.
When you’re shopping for Hallmark ornaments, consider starting a family tradition that involves buying an ornament for each child every year. My parents and grandparents did this throughout my childhood, so both my brother and I had a large collection of ornaments to take with us when we moved out.
My son has several ornaments for his collection already, including both photo ornaments and the more general seasonal ornaments. Someday, I hope his own children have the chance to admire these mementos from his childhood.
Photo credit: Hallmark
