Finding Joy In The Little Things

Every December, we become reacquainted with our most cherished objects. They may be family heirlooms, childhood favorites, or handcrafted bric-a-brac – it doesn't matter, as long as it's something special to your heart. Having clutter is OK when it's around the Christmas tree — it’s the only place where I enjoy seeing clutter! I love ornaments and their stories. I still get a giddy, bubbly feeling when I take them out of their boxes and unwrap them. I feel as if I'm "meeting" them all over again. They seem different every year, too.

I made this ornament, "Mr. Clown," with my father. It isn't pretty, but it means the world to me.

I got this mouse when I was 7 years old. It's very 2021 – take what's broken and move forward.

These belonged to my great-grandparents. They're a part of my family's history and I hope they always will be.

If you move or renovate your space, seeing your ornaments and decorations may help keep you grounded and perhaps take on new and deeper meanings. The most delicate ornaments usually hang on the top of the tree. The more you look at them, the more there is to see. Themes start to develop. And it's all contained in one space: a showcase of playfulness and whimsy.

Our family has a tradition of adding a new ornament to our tree every year. We haven't found our decoration for 2021 yet – that speaks to the kind of year we've had, I suppose. I'll keep searching on Etsy, but in the meantime, I'll remain grateful. I have a roof over my head, food on my table, my health, my family, my friends – that's what's important in life. The little things aren't bothering me so much these days.