The holiday season has a magic all its own, doesn’t it? There’s something so special about bringing out those cherished ornaments, each one holding its own little story. Trimming the tree is my favorite tradition of the year—it may be a lot of work, but the reward is priceless. A box full of ornaments is really a box full of memories, each piece connecting us to our family’s history.
Our tree is more than decorations; it’s a reflection of our lives. We have ornaments from our travels, pieces representing our hobbies, and of course, those precious handmade ornaments crafted by our kids. Recently, I added something truly special—sterling silver baby cups, rattles, and teethers from my children and even their grandparents. Seeing these timeless pieces nestled among the branches brings such joy.
Some of our ornaments are gifts from friends, adding another layer of meaning. When we married, we even had a Christmas ornament shower, collecting fun pieces and even some memorable gag gifts! A dear friend also gave me painted wooden ornaments over the years—each marked with “to,” “from,” and the year. The one from 1972 always stands out to me. They’re more than decorations; they’re memories of people we cherish.
In creating my own gilded gold leaf ornaments, I wanted to capture that same magic. These aren’t just decorations; they’re treasures meant to become a part of your holiday story, year after year. Each ornament takes time and patience to create—starting as a blank canvas, then transforming through layers of delicate gold leaf. The gilding process gives each piece a timeless glow, adding a subtle elegance to wherever it hangs.
And here’s the best part: these aren’t just for this season; they’re meant to be keepsakes, little sparks of joy that can become part of your holiday traditions. Whether you gift one to someone special or add one to your own collection, these gilded ornaments will bring that extra bit of magic to your holidays.
Now that my children are grown, I’m starting their collections. I’ve been tucking ornaments into their stockings for years, but this year, I want them to pick a few from our collection—pieces that hold special meaning for them. I hope their collections grow to be as unique and beautiful as they are. After all, real collections—like real life—are vibrant and varied, not perfectly coordinated!
Tips for Building a Collection Full of Memories
No Space is Too Small: Try hanging a garland above a doorway and decorating it with meaningful ornaments.
Mark Special Moments: Celebrate life’s milestones with ornaments for engagements, weddings, new homes, or new babies. One of my favorites is from 2020 when I gilded a tiny metal toilet paper ornament in gold leaf—now that’s a memory!
Travel Keepsakes: Collect ornaments from your trips, no matter the cost. It’s the memories they hold that make them special.
Cherish Kids’ Creations: Handmade ornaments from your children become treasures over time.
Gift with Heart: Ornaments make meaningful gifts, especially for those you celebrate with each year. They’re a way to connect with our past and give a deeply personal gift that can grow into a collection over the years.
In the end, our collections tell our stories. This year, as you’re trimming the tree, think of it as more than decorating—think of it as preserving memories, celebrating life’s moments, and honoring the people, places, and experiences that have shaped your journey. My hope is that these gilded ornaments bring a little timeless beauty to your home and become a part of your family’s cherished traditions, bringing joy for years to come.