It's such a wonderful thing to do, to read such a well written piece on someone's personal traditions and "musts" for Christmas celebration, especially decorating the tree. We, of course, also grew up with many traditions, some the same (Dad doing the lights) and some different, but all just as embedded and appreciated today. When my brother and I took to traveling, most of the historical ornaments were either gone already or passed on. Eight years later, with Steve bedridden and incapacitated, and my absolute NEED for a Christmas tree on which to gaze, we had zero ornaments with which to decorate. Buying new ones would have little meaning. So I hit the Internet (Facebook) for the first time in my life basically "begging" for help. Would people please send us an ornament that was either personal to them, homemade, or connected to us in some way, nothing extravagant looked for. You can't believe the incredible response --- enough to adorn an entire 6 foot tree. Some funny, some personal, some extravagant, some so simple it breaks your heart, but ALL sent with US in mind, making it both a very eclectic tree, almost strange, but also instantly memorable and meaningful. I'm doing that rambling thing again, but it's what your post evoked for me. Thank you!!