The magic of the season is everywhere. We can find it in all sorts of places, people, events, and things. One way I find it is in the tradition of hanging up the Christmas tree ornaments my late father made. They are wooden ornaments which he turned on his lathe. I was pretty small when he made them, five or six, and I’ve been delighted by them since the first time I ever saw them. Dad’s been gone for ten years now, but it always gives me a lift to hold these simple, elegant ornaments in my hands. Dad loved working with wood, and he created some truly beautiful things. His wood shop was a magical place to me when I was growing up, and he was the kind of dad who would let me keep him company out there. I have fond memories of watching him work, reading books to him while sitting on his work stool. Most people remember my father as a music teacher, but a very special few have examples of his woodwork in their homes, their churches, and their lives.
No two of the ornaments are the same. I took some photos of them after hanging them on my mother’s Christmas tree yesterday. I hope they make you smile.
