The story of a life

To me a Christmas tree should be (to quote Harry Chapin) the "story of a life", displaying a collection of momentoes akin to a wall of family photos. I have such fond memories of each Christmas, growing up, getting out the bag of motley ornaments, some in better shape than others... mostly glass... and reflecting on each piece as we hung them on the tree. Then came the late 80s when colour coordinated trees became the trend, or trees with just one type of ornament, or trees with a particular "direction", so that every tree you saw looked like it belonged in a department store. My mum stood her ground on our funny old family tree though, even though in my wisdom I can remember suggesting that we should make our tree look a bit more "smart".

When my kids were born I started collecting Christmas ornaments by the amazing Christopher Radko Company. They are expensive so it has been a slow process, but the story of our family life continues to unfold, and our collection grows with it. These sit alongside a myriad of the handmade and in some cases downright dodgy, but all are at peace with each other.

As much as I love our Radko blown glass ornaments, every year the piece we argue over most (who will hang it!!!) is our "twin towers" - which I bought Xmas 2000 at Gracious Home in New York. It always takes pride of place in the front of our tree. I will never forget my profound sadness in hanging it on our tree in New York City in 2001, two months after the towers fell. Part of our story.

While I'm on a poignant roll, "Story of a Life" is one of the loveliest songs by one of the most talented singer songwriters ever, and I can't believe it is 30 years since Harry Chapin died. What a profound loss. Harry I will always enjoy taking stock of our family tree each year and reflecting on the story of our life.

Happy Holidays.