One of my favorite things about our Christmas tree is that it is full of memories.  Most of the ornaments bring back a rush of remembrances and good thoughts that make me smile.  This particular ornament, for example:

Bought in a small shop in Dingle, Ireland in 2001.  We had gone to this shop around 1 PM, and saw a sign saying that they were away and would be back sometime in the afternoon.  (no time specified, which I thought was wonderful and so unusual to my American time-driven upbringing)  Sometime around 4 we went back and found this.  It sparkled so beautifully in the light, and we loved it.

Seeing it now, I am right back there, in that small intimate shop, with Ed and Joshua.  Good times, good thoughts flow through me, and I smile.

Merry Christmas to you and your family and friends.  Love, Lisa