On a snowy November day, my daughter Kit and I were dividing up four boxes of tree ornaments as she wanted to decorate her own Christmas tree. Sorting through the decorations brought back memories of the many foster children who had been a part of our family over the years. Kit surprised me by recalling the stories behind each homemade ornament, even those made by children she had never met. It was a poignant reminder of the different holiday experiences we had shared.
Among the ornaments, I found a tree topper given to my husband and me on our first Christmas together. As I held the cracked angel, memories of our failed marriage flooded back. Despite the damage, I offered it to Kit, unsure if she would want it. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she accepted the fragile angel, reminiscing about her childhood desire to place it atop the tree.
In another box, I uncovered a Santa sleigh and reindeer ornament crafted by an eight-year-old boy who had once been in our foster care. The sight stirred up emotions as I remembered the legal battles that led to his departure from our home. Kit, sensing my somber mood, took the ornament and shared fond memories of playing with it under the Christmas tree.
Our family had always strived to make the holidays special for our foster children. By adjusting our Christmas dinner dates and gifting each child unique ornaments, we aimed to create inclusive traditions. These ornaments became keepsakes for the children to take with them when they moved on from our care, symbolizing the bonds we had formed.
Reflecting on past holiday seasons and the significance of these ornaments, I realized how our family dynamics had evolved over the years. Kit’s perspective and appreciation for the ornaments shed new light on our shared memories. As we prepare to deck the halls this year, I look forward to seeing the joy and optimism that Kit brings to our holiday decorations, overshadowing any lingering sadness from the past.
