8 Comments
User's avatar
susan's avatar

In 1961 we lived in the UNI family housing called Quonset Huts. Our first child prompted me to begin the new ornament each year and to continue as 2 daughters joined thru the years. Putting those on my tree these later years prompts all the memories of making Christmas each year and the joy of hanging those ornaments.

And Daniel thank you for all the memories you’ve shared this last year of your loving 2.0 parents.

Expand full comment
Cyndy E's avatar

I love that you added two new ornaments for 2024. It seems they demonstrate that you are still finding ways to keep going while grieving your loss. My husband and i also have decorations on our tree that each have a memory - none of those fancy, color coordinated trees for us! It is a special time each year as we decorate the tree. We have special ornaments for each of the close relatives and pets who have past. Sadly, those ornaments are taking up a larger portion of the whole collection. Gladly, it is another time we can share happy memories of times gone by.

Expand full comment
Nancy Woods's avatar

You are one of the most talented storytellers I've ever read. You have a great gift. Thank you for sharing it with the world.

Expand full comment
As Seen From This Side's avatar

I’m more your 2.0 parents’ ages. My mother had a growing collection of ornaments that came to me when she died and now to my daughters. Some predate WWII. The ones I like best were “bubble lights” that were like little candles that lite and bubbled some liquid when the string was plugged in.

Loved this piece. I’m not in a position to be a paid subscriber, but I hope many are.

Expand full comment
Daniel P. Finney's avatar

Parents 1.0 had some bubbling lights like those you describe. Some of the ornaments on the tree are heirlooms that date back to the 1930s — if not further. Not many people are paid subscribers. That’s a problem everywhere in journalism.

Expand full comment
Lisa Wiger's avatar

Of all the stories that you share, I best love the ones about your 2.0 parents. The love you obviously share restores my faith in humanity. You are my kind of people and I so appreciate you.

Expand full comment
Patty's avatar

Beautiful!

Expand full comment
Kathi Zimpleman's avatar

Thank you for taking us along on your Christmas ornament sweet memories tour, Daniel. It is a magical ride.

Expand full comment