I wanted to share a tradition that I started with Joelle the year she came home. I actually adapted this idea from my talented friend, Cara Carroll. Each year I buy the kids 3-4 ornaments that represent them throughout the year. So, we’ve had a soccer ball, scuba diver, manta ray, donut, pb & j sandwich, Catboy, Spiderman… you name it! I thought I’d give you a little look at what we chose this year and where I buy mine!
I only have ONE requirement. They MUST be felt. This is because my Mammaw had felt stockings to represent each family member that she hung on her fireplace. I always loved looking at those felt stockings, so I make sure all of my ornaments are felt. Plus, it helps them to NEVER break! The goal is that one day my kids will take these ornaments to their trees IF/ WHEN they are responsible enough, ha! I may never let them go because they hold such special memories for me!
I don’t know why I do 3 or 4. It’s probably a little excessive, but I have issues with self control ;).
Also, I choose the ornaments for the kids because I really like to reflect back on the year. I like for it to be a surprise every Christmas season! When we put our tree up, the kids always look through their ornaments and have fun remembering why they got each one!
This year I chose a unicorn, paint pallet, horse, and reader for Joelle. She LOVES unicorns, is always painting, fell in love with her horse in Hawaii, and reads NONSTOP! So, those definitely fit her this year!
Click to find: Unicorn, Paint Pallet, Reader, Horse
This year Israel got The Flash, a seal, a helicopter, and a dinosaur.
He has become obsessed with The Flash and truly believes he can be him one day if he runs enough. In Hawaii, he swam with a monk seal and rode a helicopter. The helicopter was his favorite excursion. AND, he is all about dinosaurs! So those four were perfect for this year!
Click to find: The Flash, Monk Seal, Helicopter, and Dinosaur
It takes me HOURS to find just the right ornaments. I search all over Etsy. I basically type in “felt flash ornament” or something like that until I find what I want. My favorite shops are
and
However, both are outside of the United States, so I have to order way in advance! But, the quality is worth it to me! So, there you have it! That’s our family tradition. The kids love it, and my tree is super festive!
