Get in the Spirit! Readers tell the stories of their precious tree ornaments.
Christmas tree ornaments have a way of adding a touch of personality to your Christmas decor. We love those ornaments that have stories attached to them. We asked our readers to submit photos of one of their ornaments and highlight what makes it special, and here are the submissions. We hope they put you in the Christmas spirit!
Marianna Shiver
Santa’s sleigh is not the only vehicle flying this Christmas. Marianna purchased this F-22 Raptor ornament for her son, James at Robins Air Force Base. He was one year old at the time, and he loves fighter jets to this day.
Elliott Ellington
Elliott has had this Hallmark “Madeline” ornament for as long as she can remember. She said she is certain she received it for Christmas when she was a child. Elliott added, “I loved the Madeline books. She’s been glued back together once, but she’s very special to me!”
Lynn Cunningham
Forty years ago, Lynn’s sister-in-law made a dozen different felt and embroidery hearts. They have adorned her Christmas tree ever since.
Elizabeth Branan
Ever since her kids were small, Elizabeth has placed this ornament on her Christmas tree. Her children had an annual ritual of searching for baby Jesus in the tree. Tradition has continued since grandchildren have come into the picture. “One year it almost disappeared!” Elizabeth added. “We always have a real tree, so when we take it out I check it one last time for any stray ornaments! Thankfully I found this one and rescued it!” This ornament not only lived to see another day, but another generation.
Melanie Wright Cargill
Melanie found this “ornament” at the C&B store. “It was pretty dirty and raggedy when I fished it out from under the bagged ice cooler, but with some time, energy, and money, it cleaned up well.” It is not your typical tree decor; it requires attention, cuddles, and food, but it brings Melanie joy, not just at Christmas, but year ’round!
Sonya Turner
There are many people who go to stores and buy very ornate tree toppers, but this simple but special angel has topped one of Sonya’s Christmas trees for 20 years. “It was made by our daughter Hayley in second grade to look like her best friend, Kirstie. Simple and sweet, it’s a reminder that homemade ornaments, filled with love and memories, grow more precious with time.”
Author Profile
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
