Fun Monday: Favorite Ornaments
In today’s Fun Monday, Katabug asked:
In the spirit of the season I would like to see your favorite Christmas tree ornament.
What great timing; we just brought our decorations down from the attic this weekend. And as usual, I couldn’t pick just one.
First off is technically one of Thomas’ ornaments, but I like it because it reminds me of the kind that we had growing up too. Straw ornaments like this are common in Sweden, where his family is from, but I don’t know how my family came across them.
Next is an ornament whose origin I don’t remember, but on the back it says 1983. I was about 5 then - maybe from a preschool teacher? I always treasured ornaments from teachers - they’re special “just for me” ornaments. I also have an apple with a year on it, and I used to have a glittery ball with my school photo glued to it. I’m not sure it still exists though.
Next is one that I discovered this Thanksgiving, when my mom and I were going through the ornaments in her attic. She said it was made by my grandmother, and I’m really impressed that this tiny thing is quilted into a ball. I have a hard enough time lining up pieces much bigger than that.
And this one is a new favorite, also discovered in my mom’s attic this year. I think she said this was from my great grandmother. It’s a knitted cover over a foam ball. We actually had to search a bit to find the seam, but there is one. This one just amazes me that it’s handmade, especially compared to my felt ornaments I made over Thanksgiving.
Posted in Fun Monday
Let’s see if I can answer some of the questions about the ornaments you posted. You were right about the angel; your kindergarten teacher at St. Paul’s made it for you. (I think that one ball is crocheted instead of knitted.) One Christmas in the early 70’s, I bought a number of ornaments that were interesting. The straw ornaments were in that group. I don’t know whether the one you posted was ours or Thomas’, but we did have several just like that one. The ball with your photo is carefully wrapped and stored in a box in the attic. I have saved it for years and would never throw it out. I’m so happy to see these become a part of your Christmas, and I know that they will also be passed down to the next generation.
No wonder, that you could not pick just one. Your ornaments are beautiful.
The best part of your post is seeing mom answer the questions.!!
I wish I’d asked them before our parents and grandparents were gone.
I think they are beautiful, too!
I like the first one the straw angel ! We haven’t put up the tree yet it will be for the next weekend. But the whole house is decorated already.
I love them all. I think my favourite is the angel with your name on it but then i love the straw one as well. Our tree is coming down this coming weekend. It feels quite late really as the village where i live seems to be completely decorated all ready. Thanks for stopping by my blog
I like them all, you have some history in each one. I too have a quilted ball, somewhere, that my Aunt made. I don’t have a pretty little knitted ball - that one is Beautiful!! - but I have some crocheted ice cream cones. :(
You have some amazing handcrafted ornaments. The closest we have to that are the crocheted snowflakes. Lucky you!
That quilted ball is beautiful. And how special too!
You have a very beautiful collection of ornaments. I just love your grandmother’s quilted ornament.
I want to come over to you mom’s attic, too. What great ornaments!
Wow Dallas - those are beautiful and so special. What a treasure to have ornaments that go back so far in generations. Truly lovely!
I love your ornaments and the story behind them. The angel is so pretty.
I love both of those handmade balls. They are gorgeous.
The handmade balls? I have such ornament envy now - just gorgeous!
I love the handmade balls too. They are so gorgeous.
Oh my goodness I’m old. In 1983? When you were just a wee child of 5 years old? Yeah. That’s when I was a sophomore in high school starting to think about college already.
Your ornaments are lovely Dallas!
Wow…those antique(?) ornaments are definitely one-of-a-kind…but the straw angel is my favorite!
Beautiful! I love both the quilted and handstitched ones!
Hang on to those ornaments! Having something from your great grandmother is amazing. And, the quality is astounding.
What wonderful treasures for your tree. They look so new…
I can never pick one of anything! Your ornaments are beautiful! I have some wheat ornaments similar to the straw.
I must have gotten distracted because I was just sure I left a comment. They are all great. My mom and I used to make the quilted balls. They certainly weren’t as complicated as that one!
You have an honorable mention in my post tomorrow, btw.