Christmas

It’s that time of year . . .

She said, “Do you like Christmas?” I responded, “Absolutely. The family traditions, the food, and most of all, the memories we create. We decided that coming to Grandma & Grandpa’s (Nana & Papa) home should be a memory that the children never forget. In doing so, we’ve gone a little overboard but, the memories are there just the same.

Background

We use Rubbermaid “totes” and those black & yellow storage boxes seen at your local big-box retailer. To date, we have around 140 containers for the inside, 10 containers for the outside (front), and approximately 25 containers for the backyard. In addition, we collect blow mold displays and old wooden yard art. I’m an amateur woodworker so I also make some of the displays for us and friends.

The last year we displayed everything was 2019. Those images can be seen here. We also display Chanukah in and outside our home. My brother is a Rabi and my other best friend is Jewish. They are family to me.

In 2019 we partnered with Toys-For-Tots and opened our home to friends, family, and invited guests. We had more than 200 people tour our home.

Today

This is the first year we’ve gone “off script” and are doing something outside our comfort zone. This year we decided to create more youthful memories. See the pictures of the front of our home. We’re also only decorating a portion of our home, downstairs.

Other memories include purchasing a new Disney ornament for each child every year. It’s our hope that these will help to recall those memories created so long ago.

Like so many of us, our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents never had the resources to create these memories. Instead, they passed on the love they have for each other.

What will you do

We are so blessed to have amassed decorations from all over the world. However, that’s not the point, is it? This season we might think about two words: Memories and Love.

Bake cookies, have a hot chocolate while watching old Christmas movies, or just wrap up a word that expresses YOU. Do these things to create memories and demonstrate your love.

From our family to yours, Have a great Chanukah, a Merry Christmas, and a happy holiday to each of you.

The Rawsons