This weekend I pulled out my little tote with my Spring/Easter decorations.

Growing up my family loved the holidays. From October to April my sister, Cindy, and I  eagerly looked forward to each change of season and decorating for the holiday at hand . This love of decorating for the holidays was inspired by my mom. She knew how to capture the magic of the holidays and  how to embrace the change of seasons.

As Cindy and I grew older,  my mom started  a habit that has meant more to me than I could have ever imagined when I was younger. She began buying little holiday decorations for Cindy and I  to decorate our own homes. Sometimes they were things as simple as a holiday mug or magnet. Other times it may have been something she ordered from Avon.  Sometimes she bought something for her home that she intended for us to have at a later date. With each decoration, she wrote our name and the year she bought it either on the bottom of the decoration or on the box it was stored in.

Having gifts with a date on it was cool enough when mom was still with us but now that she has been gone almost 15 years it is a present day reminder of her love for us. Today I unpacked my Spring/Easter decorations and my heart felt the familiar bittersweet flutter as I set out my decorations ” Laura 1998. Laura 1999.  etc.” I have changed so much since my mom has passed and sometimes I chuckle at how different my decorations look from my present personality and decorating style. No matter, the little bunny figures bring me great satisfaction.  They will look wonderful, I am sure.

Now, I realize that not all of my readers are fans of holiday decorations and even fewer of my readers have a need for knick knacks. Believe me, I hear ya. I embrace minimalist living and thoughtful consumerism. However, I do have an idea I would like to share with you. It may be fun to consider the next time you purchase a gift for someone. (Assuming it is something they have asked for and will be wanting to keep it for many years to come.) Why not add a date and a note somewhere on the gift or the box? If you have kids or grand kids,  imagine what it would mean later in life if every time they pulled out their favorite piece of jewelry or other object of personal value from a box they saw a paper with date and perhaps some little note from you. I think it is a great way to spread love across the time and distance that separates us from those we care about.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have some bunnies to strategically place around my house.

As always, I would love to hear from you.

Until next time,

Laura