A Christmas Tree, Ornaments and Memories

We are all storytellers. We all live in a network of stories. There isn’t a stronger connection between people than storytelling.” - Jim Neil Smith

Every year, as I put up my Christmas tree, I’m reminded of just how true this is. My ornaments aren’t just decorations; they are stories. Each one has been chosen or gifted with care, thought, and intention. Together, they reflect moments from our lives: our travels, the people we love, celebrations, interests, and memories that have shaped us.

Hanging each ornament feels like watching my life unfold piece by piece. 

These stories ground me in who I am. And as I share them with my children, I see how they slowly become part of their identity too.

Family stories naturally carry the stories of many others...friends, relatives, even strangers who crossed our paths. When we document or retell these memories, we start to see the beautiful web of connections that make up our lives. 

Stories help us recognize these connections and appreciate them more deeply.

I truly believe stories are one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. They strengthen relationships, express love and gratitude, and preserve the people and places that matter most.

My Christmas tree is full of these stories. Adding meaningful ornaments each year has become a tradition that brings me so much joy. I look forward to decorating early, smiling at the memories each ornament unlocks. And I keep the tree up until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th, while it's tradition, I also think, why rush something that brings so much warmth?

This year, a few new ornaments joined the collection:

A bagpiper from Edinburgh, carrying stories of a day at the MacPherson Clan Highland Games in Scotland.

A “Mind the Gap” ornament, a nod to one of my favourite cities, and now holds extra special stories of one of our family.

A Delft blue and white rocking horse, gifted by a dear friend whose own stories are rooted in the Netherlands.

What about you? What traditions in your life trigger stories worth retelling?