Christmas ornaments for the kids Hope chests

[kimmee]

I remember a little while back I think in the tree theme thread Lucie (Simplemom) and someone else were discussing getting their kids an ornament each year for when they leave home. I Don't think I already posted this - but if I did - forgive me. Every year since each kid turned one we have made an ornament for their tree when they leave home. The first ornament is always the plaster with the hand print and then I let them "decorate" it. We always make two so theres one for the family tree and one for their "box". I try to plan crafts that have a high probability of coming out. The reason I didn't want to do store bought ornaments was because when Bob and I were first married everyone in his family gave us ornaments but none of them matched and I like a kindof pulled together or themed tree - I know that seems ungracious - we still used them just in bowls and candle holders and stuff. But I thought - if we stay in the same color theme every year for the kids they would have a collection and it would also be ornaments they made during their childhood. Aimee already has twelve ornaments carefully packed and ready for her first tree at her own house. (Ryan has 10, Damon has eight.) just thought I would offer a different idea.

[pkellyc]

I don't have any particular boxes for the kids but they do have ornaments. This year I bought them birthstone angels with their names on them. Ours are a combination of store bought and crafted ornaments. I thought about a theme tree one year and my girls had fits! They each have their special ornaments and plan on taking them when they leave home. Although our tree is a bunch of mixed and matched items I tie it all together with big plaid bows and lots of red shining balls. But now you have me thinking, you have a very good idea there. I could very well end up having a very bald tree when the kids leave! lol

[guest2]

My mother started a christmas ornament collection for each of us kids growing up and it was so special to be able to take those ornaments with me when left home. We have done the same thing for our boys and my mother also still gives us ornaments each year along with the boys. I love it!