Today we took down the tree and all of the holiday decorations. Soothing music played as I looked at each ornament, thought about how many years I’ve had it and where it came from, and the memories each ornament held for me.
I remembered when my boys were very little and we’d bought our first expensive (or so they seemed to me at the time) ornaments. Some of those were still on the tree this year. I lovingly removed and put away the little handmade wooden star ornament my daughter-in-law made for us when she first starting going out with our son. It was their first year together as a couple and she gave it to us along with her amazing home-made pies. She was by his side as he went through yet another reconstructive surgery that year, so dedicated and caring while he was in the hospital. Now they are married and have a beautiful little girl.
I removed the cherished ornament that my other son made for me when he was 2 1/2 years old. It’s the lid of a mason jar with a photo his Montessori preschool teacher took of him, which was glued inside the lid. It had glitter and sequins all over the outside rim of the lid and hangs by a metallic cord. I can’t believe how the years have gone by…it seems like yesterday that the little blond boy in in the picture was in my arms.
I packed away the little glass lamp we always have out during the holidays that was given to us by my husband’s mother. She passed away in December several years ago and we always have it out and lit by the tree all during the holidays as we think about her.
I think about my 2 year old granddaughter looking at the tree and ornaments this year as she proudly told me that this one is a “star”, that one a “heart”, that one an “angel” and another one an “icicle” as she pointed her precious little finger at each one and looked at me, eyes sparkling and wide with wonder.
And I thought about the years that I was too sick to even put up a tree or any kind of decorations…the years I just lay on the sofa too tired, too weak to do anything like decorate, buy gifts or send cards. I think about the times I wondered if I would ever see another Christmas holiday season…if I would make it through or not. I give thanks for the years I had energy to decorate the tree, send cards, get into the holiday spirit and go to parties and spend time with friends and loved ones.
This year I feel great, inspired and motivated, full of life and ready for what’s next. I have projects and messages I want to create and share, and people I want to help. With each ornament I removed from the tree today, I gave thanks for the many blessings and true gifts in my life, for my health and the health of my loved ones, for the opportunity to hopefully be able to touch the lives of others in a deep and profound way, helping them to access their own inner power to manifest their dreams.
I intend for this year of 2012 to be a year of joy and celebration and I intend it to be that for you, too. If you would like my special report, “10 Keys To Create More Joy in Your Day”, along with a short audio meditation, simply go to my website at www.DrElena.com and enter your email address in the box on the right side of the page.
In love and light,
Dr. Elena 😉
Hello Elena, and thank you for offering your wonderful document “10 Ways to Create More Joy in Your Day” through your website. I really enjoy following all that you are up to and appreciate the gracious gift of this reminder that there are many little things we can each do – every day of our lives – to help keeps our minds and spirits alive and smiling!
I have shared the file with friends as I know we can ALL benefit from these simple reminders. Thank you for sharing that with us, Elena!
Thank you so much for your comments, Michael! It means a lot to me that you took the time to read it and respond! I look forward to our paths crossing again soon!
Warmest regards to you and Happy New Year!
Nice. We have gold dipped pinecones, a star ornament made by inserting toothpicks into a foam ball and dipping the whole thing in glitter, and various other kid-craft stuff on our tree. Wanted to ask does the live tree work for you, re: allergies? Tree pollen is one of the worst allergens in our household, with both my son and I being severely allergic to it and it makes us wheeze. Our food allergies are milder and manageable. Many public places have started setting up artificial trees, both for the environmental reason, and because so many kids are allergic to the pine.
How wonderful that you have handmade ornaments on your tree! We actually use an artificial tree in our home. I love the pine scent but it is very dry here, we live in an area that has been regularly plagued by huge fires and since we leave our tree up for 4-6 weeks we use an artificial one to reduce any fire hazard. I diffuse very pure essential oils of pine and evergreen, so we still get the scent! You can check out the oils I use here: http://tinyurl.com/7upjzxv
Elena! What a touching story — made me think of how I hope to have a family one day and make little ornaments on the tops of mason jars and reminisce years later 🙂
It was so nice to read that the simple things of the season (such as the ornaments on your tree) gave you such a profound moment of gratitude and reflection on your life. I hope that you experience treasured moments like these that take you to a place of peace more often. When they do, I look forward to reading about them!
Congrats on having your energy back in high spirits and I wish that 2012 will be just as fantastic for you, your family and your business. Thank you for sharing this story!
PS. I love reading your blog posts! Post more often 🙂
All the best!
Thank you for your sweet words, Heather! Your comment about wanting to “make little ornaments on the tops of mason jars” yourself, made me smile! And I can definitely see that happening for you! Here’s to a fabulous 2012 for all of us!
Yours in health and happiness,
Dr. E 😉