The Evolution of Christmas Ornaments: How Long Should You Keep Them?

In the hustle and bustle of holiday preparation, one ponders the age-old question: how long should a person keep family Christmas ornaments? The answer, much like the ornaments themselves, can vary widely based on personal preference and family dynamics. Let’s dive into the tale of one household’s journey with their cherished ornaments, explore the significance of some of the oldest pieces, and discuss the art of archiving and passing down these heirlooms.

Retaining Memories: A Family’s Christmas Tradition

For this family, Christmas ornaments are more than decorations; they are pieces of history, markers of a long-standing tradition. When my mother passed away, we inherited a collection of beautifully crafted Christmas ornaments. While most of them are stored safely in archival boxes, a portion was gifted to a cousin who appreciated their unique beauty. However, the remaining ornaments were intended for my daughter when she started her own family and created her own Christmas traditions. At Thanksgiving last year, we retrieved these boxes and shared the ornaments with my daughter, feeling a sense of accomplishment in passing down a small part of our family legacy. But about a week later, a surprise! My daughter expressed gratitude for the thought but preferred to start her own collection, feeling it was the right time for her to develop her own unique ornaments. In short, the ornaments are back in storage, reminding us of the evolving nature of family heirlooms and personal preferences.

Ageless Treasures

Among the ornaments, the oldest piece is a remarkable 90 years old. According to my mother, it was part of her collection when she was a child, and interestingly, she celebrated her 100th birthday just two weeks ago. This elderly ornament serves as a tangible link to the past, a constant reminder of family heritage and the cycles of life. It is a testament to the enduring nature of handcrafted art and the importance of preserving such heirlooms. However, not all ornaments evoke the same sentiment. For instance, my wife and I started a tradition of giving each other an ornament every Christmas. We’ve been married for 44 years and still cherish most of our ornaments, including the first two we exchanged. These custom-made ornaments are not just symbols of love but also serve as monthly ruminations on the year that has passed, the journey we’ve shared, and the new year ahead.

Preserving and Passing Down Ornaments

At what point do we consider passing down these ornaments to the next generation? For some, it might be when their children start their families, similar to my initial plan for my daughter. For others, it might be sooner, when the ornament’s significance to the family becomes clear, as it was with my daughter. Yet, not everyone in the family might be interested in continuing the tradition. Our three boys, for example, show no inclination to preserve such ornaments. This presents a challenge in deciding what to do with the remainder of the collection. One solution is to reach out to other family members who might value these pieces. Perhaps there are cousins or other relatives who would be interested in adding these ornaments to their own Christmas traditions.

Archiving and Valuing Heirlooms

Another crucial aspect is the physical preservation of these ornaments. Archival storage is paramount to ensuring that these beautiful pieces remain in excellent condition for generations to come. This involves using appropriate materials to protect the ornaments from environmental damage, such as dust, moisture, and direct sunlight. In contrast to the traditional storage of ornately wrapped gifts, Christmas ornaments require a more delicate handling. They should be stored in boxes designed to protect them from damage, with appropriate padding to cushion any potential bumps. Additionally, avoiding the temptation to repeatedly pull out these ornaments every year, even if just for a brief inspection, can help preserve their beauty and longevity.

Conclusion

Christmas ornaments are more than just decorations; they are precious heirlooms that carry the weight of memories and traditions. They encapsulate the love, care, and effort that goes into creating and maintaining them. The decision on how long to keep these ornaments can be deeply personal and emotional, reflecting the changing dynamics of family and individual preferences. Now, with the story of our family’s ornaments in mind, let us ponder: how long will you keep these cherished pieces, and what is the deeper purpose behind these holiday treasures?

Explore more about Christmas traditions and the importance of family heirlooms with our other articles.