Personalized OrnamentsI thought I'd start out my first post about family, classic entertainment in the family environment. I made a list of all the times while growing up we felt most close as a family, and I realized that more often than not, this was when we were all thoroughly entertained and engrossed in doing something together. So I made a list, and truly the most long lasting, traditional, and even classic entertainment for us was decorating the family Christmas tree together. Ornaments and other decorations offer a structure, a routine that everyone can get into. First, there's the choosing of the tree. Then putting on the lights. The ornaments have to be brought down from the attic. In short, there's a format, a process that everyone can participate in regardless of age. Some of our favorites were the christmas ornaments personalized that had each of our names on them. We always sought those out first, with each person recalling and then admiring their little personalized ornament. Special locations on the tree were chosen, and while a little competitive, everyone was involved, and the tension to get the best place on the Christmas tree just served to heighten the excitement. Since that time, I've passed on and re-created the joy of tree trimming with my young family. Both my wife and I have vivid and fun memories of decorating at Christmastime. The experience makes for great times together, and provides for hours of entertainment and fun. My goal is to suggest family activities that can involve everyone, and do not have to cost a great deal of money. I will continue to add to my list as memory recalls the special times and joys that represent classic entertainment to me. Anything will go. For example, while I don't recommend it for everyone, I went skydiving with my Dad, and we were given a little personalized ornament for our adventure with our names on it, showing our parachutes, the date, and the distance we jumped. My father has passed now, but each Christmas when I pull out that ornament, I'm reminded of how much fun we had. I very much recommend encapsulating great entertainment into an ornament that can become a family heirloom. |