I love decorating for Christmas! The twinkling lights, the festive ornaments, and the scent of fresh pine evoke cherished memories and create a magical atmosphere. It allows me to spread holiday cheer and share the spirit of togetherness with loved ones. However, what truly makes the holiday season special for me are the Christmas ornaments on our tree—each one holds precious memories, love, and tradition.

Christmas ornaments, in their various forms, have played an integral role in my family’s holiday celebrations. My mom started this tradition by buying each family member one Hallmark ornament each year. But my favorites were the set of dancing Santas that my dad and I found at a “blue light special” at K-mart one year. I delighted in their whimsical charm. Over the years, those dancing Santas became worn and weathered, and we eventually had to let them go.

A few years back, I found myself reminiscing about the dancing Santas and decided to search for them on eBay. To my delight, I discovered I could purchase not just replacements for myself, but also for my brother and my kids. Now, as those dancing Santas twirl on our tree each year, we all remember my dad and the cherished moments we shared.

Over the years, our Christmas tree has become a showcase of our family’s journey through time, each ornament a testament to our changing tastes and interests. Although my kids have outgrown some of these ornaments, their sentimental value is what is so special. The ornaments serve as a heartwarming connection to the past and a symbol of the love and warmth of the holiday season.

I bring home an ornament from every vacation. It offers a unique way to commemorate my adventure without cluttering my home with souvenirs. It’s a delightful annual ritual to unwrap these ornaments, take a trip down memory lane, and reflect on the experiences that have enriched my life. One of the standouts of my collection, a set of handmade painted wooden ornaments, hails from a memorable trip to Puerto Rico with my best friend. They perfectly encapsulated the vibrant spirit of the island and have since become treasured keepsakes for me.

The holidays are a time for creating and cherishing memories, sharing love, and celebrating the traditions that warm our hearts. Amid all the festive preparations, let us remember that other aspects of our lives deserve careful consideration, such as our estate planning. While Christmas ornaments are cherished keepsakes, other items of personal property also hold sentimental value. It is essential to ensure you clearly outline your wishes regarding the distribution of these items in your estate plan.

Just as we lovingly preserve and pass down our treasured ornaments, we can also plan for the legacy we leave behind. By updating and maintaining our estate plans, we can alleviate potential confusion, disagreements, or complications among our loved ones. After all, the more you can prevent confusion and headaches for your loved ones in the future, the better.

Many estate plans enable you to write a memo, separate from the will or the trust, where you can designate the recipients of your special items of personal property. As you take time to enjoy the holidays with our loved ones, this would be a great time to review (or complete) your tangible personal property memo!

So, as we embark on another year of holiday decorating and ornament hanging, let us also take a moment to reflect on the treasures we hold dear, both the tangible and the intangible. From twinkling lights to cherished ornaments, from the joy of tradition to the warmth of family bonds, the holiday season offers a multitude of reasons to celebrate and cherish the memories we create together. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas!