holiday memoirs v.2 (or.... why i've grown out of wanting a 'perfectly' coordinated Christmas tree v.2)

these little white ornaments are among my favorites. but then, i have a million favorites. these ones though are favorites because they were made by my mother.

when i was about 13, i attended a youth activity where we learned how to make these beaded lace ornaments and i just knew my mom would love them. she and i set out on a mission and found the only store in town which carried the right type of lace for the project. the next several years she made dozens upon dozens of these ornaments.

red beads with white lace. green beads with white lace. green, red and white beads with white lace. every possible combination twisted into wreaths and candy canes. of all the variety, my favorite were always these simple ones; white lace with clear beads. simple. pure. unwavering.

mom made me a whole set, somewhere around 12-14 of them. i don't think i've ever counted. each year, they are one of the first things placed on my tree. i remember teaching her this little craft and seeing her spend years of enjoyment making them. when i look at these i smile and i can't help but i realize that, just as my munchkin means the world to me, i meant the world to her.