This little guy was bought in the middle of the year, popped at the top of the cupboard because I couldn't be fussed unearthing the approriate box from the shed, and at some point since then he's fallen out of sight, behind the box containing gift bags. So I have only just rediscovered him, brushed him off, and apologised profusely for making him miss out on most of the festivities, visitors and the admiration that would've undoubtedly been his due. He has magnanimously forgiven me on the condition that it must NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN!
the snowmen in the kitchen have been joined by this gorgeous country snowman plate [ and matching cake server ] from my dear friend Jeanette.
This stained glass star is something incredibly precious to me. You've probably noticed that I don't go for bright Christmas colours a lot, and this is certainly bright, BUT my late husband Marc made it for me in the mid 90s as well as three smaller decorations. Last year I gave each of the kids one of the smaller ones along with their gifts [ meaning of course that David's one is still here, in his room ] You can't really tell from the photo but it's not flat - there are three faces - red, green and yellowand now an explanation- most of you don't know about why I'm so spectacularly OTT with the Chrissie decorating. I have always put a fair bit of effort in ever since the kids were small, possibly because my own parents didn't, but then eight years ago last week something happened which has caused me to go into Christmas Hyperdrive ever since. My husband of 25 years whom I adored and who adored me, died after a hard fought battle with cancer on my 46th birthday. Needless to say, family and friends are never 100% sure how to handle the day - December can be a bit of an emotional roller coaster and this is how I deal with it.
and just in case you've forgotten:
12 comments:
That glass ornament is beautiful - even more so with the story behind it. MERRY CHRISTMAS, Sweetie!
Lovely ornament. Wow, yet another thing we have in common a loved one dying on one of our days. I thought I had it hard with my sister dying on my wedding anniversary.... Hey I've been enjoying your pics.
My firend's husband died of a massive heart attack on Christmas eve 1999.One month before his fiftieth birthday. We miss him dreadfully and I remember the moment I was told too. One minute I was dancing round the room with my little Maisie to the sound of Rudolph the red nose reindeer and the next thing our Christmas went to pot! My friend finds Christmas so hard and it has sent her a bit odd to say the least but I still love her. Wish she could embrace it as you have but grief is a personal issue, your way seems so healthy to me. I wondered why you were so enthusiastic about the decorations, now I know...a big hug for you, amazing lady!
I think that you deal with your loss in a way that is not only healthy, but one that Marc would clearly have appreciated. Happiest of Christmases to you and the whole Catsmum family. Enjoy the day!
(((hugs))) and Merry Christmas!
I second Caity's and Sheepish Annie's comments. Life certainly gets more nuanced and takes on more layers as one goes on, doesn't it? Grief, remembrance and celebration.
Wishing you and your loved ones a lovely Christmas -
I deliberately didn't dump this on you on the actual day because I wanted to have my birthday wishes uncomplicated by all the other layers of meaning.
Have a wonderful day, all of you !
Dear Susan - it's sad that all of these poignant anniversaries tie in together as such an emotional time of year - but you have found your own way of coping, and also bring cheer and pleasure to so many others.
I wish I could reach out and give you a big hug right now. There - can you feel it?
Your husband's gift is beautiful, and one you will treasure always with it's message of devotion and happy times.
Blessings always, Susan.
::hug:: The star is beautiful.
I don't know that it's something we ever get over, exactly, but we do find ways to cope. With us it's the "minor" holidays: my MIL died on Valentine's Day, my mother on April Fool's Day, and my FIL the week after Easter. I could go on but you get the point: and thank goodness you love to decorate and it's a wonderful way to express your love for the ones you have left! And that grandson...
for us it's mainly this time of the year - FIL died on Christmas Day and my only brother died of a cerebral haemorrage 20 minutes into the New Year. Granted we all loathed and detested FIL but my brother was a sweetie.
Coming in late (have been without internet since Christmas Eve, basically...yes, I survived!).
The star ornament is lovely and even more special with the story behind it. It was a bit weird checking in on your blog today and finding no decorations though!
It's New Year's Eve now - hope you have a lovely 2008, full of lots of crafty goodness.
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