Last year I decided to renew the practice in a limited way. Each year I plan to buy each child one ornament that somehow reminds me of them at that point in time. I wrap it and give it to them to open on the day we put up the Christmas tree. Each of our six kids got an ornament this year. Those who move on will be remembered each year when I unwrap their special ornament for our tree. Here are the 2012 ornaments and why they make me think of said kid:
Brishen:
I lucked out! It is so hard to find a (Hobby Lobby 1/2 off) ornament for a teenage boy who doesn't care all that much about sports, cute little penguins, or fluffy snowmen. Last year I got him a lizard wearing a Santa hat. It had nothing to do with him but seemed sufficiently weird and manly enough to somehow work. This year I found a cannon. Strange, yes. But perfect for my son, the peace-lover, don't-kill-animals-vegetarian, weapons collector. Why do they make cannons to hang on Christmas trees? I have no idea, but I'm glad they do. Brishen's 2012 ornament is a cannon.
Basia:
2012 is the year that Basia developed an interest in fashion design. She has design books with drawings of beautiful dresses and accessories. It's still hard for me to reconcile the fashion designer Basia with the other Basia I know and love, but it works for her. I knew that I wanted this year's ornament to reflect her new interest. Her aunt gave her some groovy blue Converse for her birthday, which she loves, so I liked this shoe when I saw it. There were plenty of high heel and glittery purse ornaments, but this one reminds me of Basia, the fashion designer who is most comfortable in a pair of tennis shoes! Basia's 2012 ornament is a shoe.
Miss Independent:
I had a hard time finding the right ornament for Miss Independent. She doesn't seem to really have many strong interests that translate into Christmas decorations. I thought about what I would want to remember about her first months with us, and I thought of her doll. The night she came to us was REALLY tough on her, tougher than on any other foster child we have ever had. When the investigator brought her, she stood in the doorway with glazed-over eyes and no desire whatsoever to leave the investigator's side or have anything to do with us. The tide changed, however, when we showed her one of Basia's dolls in a stroller. She was able to come closer to us, relax a little, and hug the doll. That doll has been her faithful friend ever since Day 1. This ornament is the closest thing I could find to a cuddly brown baby doll, so I chose it for her. Miss Independent's ornament for 2012 is a stuffed gingerbread doll.
Mr. Strut:
There was no question that Mr. Strut needed a vehicle of some sort for his ornament. We have lots of toy bins in our play room, but the one he asks to play with every single day is the one full of cars. He loves each and every one of them. Mr. Strut's 2012 ornament is a car.
Miss Personality:
This was anther tough one. She's not quite old enough to show real interests in much other than emptying drawers and following her big siblings around. When I saw this cupcake, I knew that I wanted it for her. It was so special to get to spend a chunk of her first year with her and it was awesome to get to throw her a 1st birthday party. She was the happiest birthday girl I have ever seen, and I hope to remember that each year when I unpack the ornaments. Miss Personality's 2012 ornament is a cupcake.
Wee One:
You only get one 1st Christmas. We are lucky enough to get to be with Wee One for his very first Christmas, and this ornament will help me remember this milestone and Wee One! Wee One's 2012 ornament is a onesie.
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