Christmas Traditions
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
Lubbock, Texas
December 14, 2012 10:28am CST
Throughout a family's history some traditions are held to hard and fast, while others get adapted over the generations to suite the times. In my family, the making of christmas ornaments was a tradition. While the type of ornaments changed through the years and ornaments became much more complex and/or professional looking there were always new ornaments each year.
Now in the twilight of my life I no longer even put up a Christmas tree most years, but I've long held a tradition of my own that stemmed from the original. I make hand made ornaments for my grand children and great grand children. This year the total was 25. Next year it will be at least 27. I know for sure that two more are expected in January.
For the last 8 or so years the ornaments have been hand beaded. Here is a picture of 2013 ornaments.
What craft traditions does your family hold.
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6 responses
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
17 Dec 12
Thanks. I have one grown grandson who tells me nearly every year that the hand made ornaments have always been his favorite part of Christmas. Most of them don't say much, but I know they do appreciate them.
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@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
14 Dec 12
I know so many people in the same condition. It's sad to me and my heart goes out to you. Make some new traditions. Even if it's just contributing something to your local food bank or homeless shelter or volunteering there if you don't have means to support them. I think I might have gone in the same direction if I didn't have one son and his family living next door. they keep me going.
I hope you have a pleasant holiday even if you don't have any traditions to continue.
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@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
14 Dec 12
My family has already exchanged gifts because this week my sister is in town. I don't know what we are going to do on the actual day since the roomie and I both have to work.
I know her folks want us to go out there, but I don't really want to do that after working. The roomie is pushing to do the gifts either the weekend before or after, so we'll have to see.
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@ctryhnny (3460)
• United States
14 Dec 12
Since my parents and other family member have passed away all of our Christmas traditions are gone and it makes me so sad. We do have a couple of ornaments from when the kids were little and that's the extent of tradition for my family. This is why I can't get into Christmas...it's not like it used to be.
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@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
14 Dec 12
That is so sad. I like to see new traditions in cases like yours. It's not like you forget those who are gone, but you have a new life now. If it's nothing but non-traditional Christmas dinner or volunteering at a homeless shelter it's a way to celebrate the life you have now.
I know it's hard to move on. I hope you can reconcile and learn to have a new kind of Christmas.
@lampar (7584)
• United States
14 Dec 12
The only tradition i continue to hold in Christmas is to buy presents and gift for friends and poor children in the street. Most of the craft traditions during Christmas season are no more followed by me. I just bought them from the store. 
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
14 Dec 12
What a wonderful tradition, buying gifts for the poor. Many of us work so much we don't have time for the crafts, but it's good to know you are celebrating this wonderful time of year by bringing a little cheer to those who have so little.
@bretay61 (722)
• United States
27 Dec 12
wow I looked at the picture of the ornaments.So beautiful.You say handbeaded?So beautiful.lots of patience.Are they are your own designs or do you get the patterns somewhere.I usually knit most everybody something.If not knitted then I will bead,crochet or something.i love handmade creations.This year I made my mother a birthstone bracelet.There are 5 kids,15 grandkids and 15 great grandkids.I think we have all the months covered.i used the Swarovski Crystals.I love the colors of the birthstones.My granddaughters make everyone something also.They are 8 and 11.They love doing crafts.I love your ornaments.You gave me some ideas for next year.
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@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
12 Jan 13
I'm sorry I didn't respond to this sooner. I just got busy and didn't come back to Mylot for a while. Yes they are my own designs. The first year or two that I made hand beaded ornaments I used someone elses designs, then I started designing my own. I sell my patterns in several places, but I think it would be against Mylot rules to post them here. If you'd like to know more, pm me.
I've always felt that something hand made even though it may be small is a much better gift than something store-bought. Just the way I was raised I guess.
@zurichann (235)
• Philippines
15 Dec 12
Those are lovely hand beaded ornaments. I also love doing some art crafts. My father always decorate our house for Christmas. He has a good sense of fashion when it comes to interior decorating. He's the one decorating the Christmas lights as well as the Christmas tree. He also decorate the 'Belen' outside our house, commemorating the birth of Jesus. During Christmas eve, we will dine together and will open our gifts by midnight. I guess, this year will be different though. This will be the first Christmas that we will be non-Catholic. Our new religion doesn't celebrate Christmas. My mother as well as my sisters were converted just this year. But not my father. I guess this will make him sad, especially that me and him were not in good terms.
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@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
15 Dec 12
It makes me sad to see religion drive a wedge between family members. I hope you can find a way to reconcile differences and have happy gatherings whatever beliefes you choose to follow.
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