In early December my father and mother would pack up all three kids into the family car., In our winter coats, rubber boots, mittens and scarves to make our annual pilgrimage to a small tree farm north of town called Eby’s Pines.
I love this story so much. My grandmother made Christmas ornaments (she cut Hi-C cans when money was tight) and then painted them-she sent the thin, tin ornaments as her Christmas card. She made them for over 30 years. The year after she died from cancer my grandfather made the final one, a black crow. (Their last name was Crowe) with a note explaining the collection was complete. We have a special bird ornament on our tree too. 🐦⬛
It’s interesting that our most honored possessions are things that cost almost nothing but are filled with love.
I just sent my niece in California a little ugly bird like thing that my wife and I bought at Booth Bay, Maine on our honeymoon. His name was Booth and he always rode in his honored position at the center of our car. I know she always loved him as well and will take good care of him.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. Spontaneous giving can be so special for both the recipient and the person giving. I hope you and your family have a great Christmas.
I love this memory, I live about 20 miles or so from Eby’s and travel through their area often on my way to Honeyville to pick up product from an Amish farm for my farm market. I often spend an hour talking with Jonathan at the farm. I love driving through this area where time seems to slow down. A snowy walk at Bonnyville Mill is beautiful. Your writing is like this for me, it reminds me to slow down, enjoy the view, and the beauty of the moment.
Thank you Carrie for your wonderful story. I cut out the bird ornament and put it on my tree. I could use luck right now, it’s been a rough ending to the year with Covid plaguing my house. Thank you for the lovely bird ornament I love seeing it on my tree every time I walk by it and I remember your story. I have several angels on my tree that represent loved ones that have passed. I also have a gorgeous angel on top of my tree that my mom made herself.
I also added a chair to my tree so they can come down and join us at Christmas. Always save them a seat! They are there whether you realize it or not. Happy Holidays dear Carrie!!
Hi Carrie, I fell in love with your music in 2009-2010, fresh out of college and living with an intentional community, and we went on a retreat in MA and met someone who introduced us to your music. A gathering of spirits, a festival of friends... from then on your music accompanied many of our community prayers and some of my most moving spiritual moments alone, too. So I mean this with all respect and love - how are you using your voice, platform, influence right now in regards to the genocide in Gaza? I keep opening your newsletters hoping you will say something, and then it is just another poetic reflection on your own family, traditions, community, nature - so so beautiful and yet to me feels so empty right now when thousands of children are being slaughtered and our U.S. government is cosigning it and our taxes are paying for it. I know there is a cost to speaking out, and yet how does that cost compare to the weight on our souls for not using what influence we have to stop the atrocities, call for a ceasefire, encourage others to do the same? I took a big personal risk and sent an email to my entire workplace inviting them to consider learning more and taking prayerful action for peace in Palestine and Israel. I asked my family to not buy me anything new for Christmas this year, but donate to a relief organization in Gaza (PCRF, MECA, or Doctors without Borders) and just hand-me-down a book or piece of clothing they already have if they really want to give me something. I have zero public social media presence but have been using every day, multiple posts to raise awareness among my friends and family, and if even one more person is moved to speak out and take action that makes it worth it to me, even if others remain silent or dismiss me or choose to break ties with me. But that is not enough - our leaders are not listening, and lots of people are afraid to say anything, so we need more compassionate wise influential people willing to use their artistic and spiritual gifts to make a difference. Are you still connected to any Quaker communities? American Friends Service Committee has tons of resources on this subject and personal connections to people in Gaza and the West Bank right now. Actually it was through AFSC that my husband met Dr. Refaat Alareer, a poet and professor who was murdered along with his sister and 4 nieces/nephews by an Israeli airstrike (sponsored by the U.S.). He was a friend and mentor to so many around the world, and he was our friend. Every person massacred or forced to starve in Gaza right now is a whole world, a precious human being. So this is my invitation to you to deeply consider that your voice is needed in this moment, and to not be afraid - or, rather, be afraid but do it anyway! But also know that there is less reason to be afraid than you may think, because those of us who see Palestinians as human and are grieving them just as much as we are grieving the Israelis killed and captured on Oct 7 - we will stand with you and invoke blessings for your wellbeing and courage and strength to keep echoing love for every human being and especially those in Gaza who are suffering so brutally due to our government's refusal to intervene and withhold the weapons that are enabling these atrocities to continue. Remembering our family heirlooms is lovely..and in this season all I can remember is the fact that children in Gaza are buried in the rubble along with all their family heirlooms and schools and churches and mosques and hospitals and parents and grandparents and siblings. Again I invite you to take a public stance for ceasefire and an end to the siege and occupation and apartheid conditions in Israel/Palestine and use your personal power and gifts to lead others into their power and compassion in this moment. Raising my cup in a toast or two "to the words and how they live between us, and to us and how we live between the words".
This is a beautiful story. I too have birds on my small tree. A cardinal, Swan, dove, blue jay... I love watching and photographing birds. Eagles and hawks hold special meanings for me. I feel blessed when I see them. Thanks for sharing your story. Merry Christmas!
I just read this post and I knew you gave that ornament to the young man even before reading that you had. If I were to have a Christmas tree it would have turtle ornaments. 😍
Well your Sunday post made my heart happy and that is such a great gift to give. Thank you so much for sharing. I love Christmas ornaments and I love birds on our Christmas tree. There is always one near the top of our tree. Of course being named Robin there are a couple of Robins on the tree too.
Thank you so much for this, Carrie. For more reasons than I can explain, that little sparrow PDF is the loveliest possible gift right now. Did you draw it? Thank you for offering up a Christmas tradition idea that truly has wings—for me, at least!
Ah, you had me at Eby's Pines and went on to wrap me in memories with your story of birds, heirlooms and passed-along gifts. In the late '50s, after my uncle and aunt got to an age when they had to close down their Christmas tree farm in White Pigeon, my parents would bundle me and my cousin in winter layers and away we would go to trek through Eby's Pines, searching - and always finding - that perfect tree. Back home to decorate, the little red felt cardinal was always hung in a special place - wherever my mother pointed to. Once all the favorite ornaments were hung, it was up to my father and me to hang the tinsel - strand by strand by strand. Such are the memories of years and family long-gone at this time of year! I still have a box of those old tin and glass ornaments, along with some others hand-crafted by my mother. I don't know what happened to the cardinal, but perhaps a new tradition will begin this year. Thanks for your stories and songs: lights in the world.
I so resonated with this post because I too collect bird ornaments for my tree. Now I know why. One Christmas, during chemo treatment, I also made origami cranes for my tree, for healing, even though I didn’t get anywhere close to 1,000. I love that you are giving the gift of joy and hope to a stranger who was not expecting anything. Thank you for the gift of your spirit, so beautifully shared.
I was gifted my 95 year old mama’s very 1st Christmas tree ornament from 1928, and it also has a metal clip ( think clothes pin style) to attach and a small fish ornament. They are so beautiful and are the first to be placed on our tree as well. My mam passed to her new resting place in Jan. Of this year so both are so much more revered. I will be passing these on to my grown daughter this Christmas to continue to remember the symbolic meaning of the bird and fish.
Your post today melted my heart and eyes into a puddle of warmth knowing you also have something that is close to your mama.
Thank you for your story, words and love for those that sre close to your heart. Happy holidays.
I love this story so much. My grandmother made Christmas ornaments (she cut Hi-C cans when money was tight) and then painted them-she sent the thin, tin ornaments as her Christmas card. She made them for over 30 years. The year after she died from cancer my grandfather made the final one, a black crow. (Their last name was Crowe) with a note explaining the collection was complete. We have a special bird ornament on our tree too. 🐦⬛
It’s interesting that our most honored possessions are things that cost almost nothing but are filled with love.
I just sent my niece in California a little ugly bird like thing that my wife and I bought at Booth Bay, Maine on our honeymoon. His name was Booth and he always rode in his honored position at the center of our car. I know she always loved him as well and will take good care of him.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. Spontaneous giving can be so special for both the recipient and the person giving. I hope you and your family have a great Christmas.
Thank you Carrie, you right so wholesomely. It's like watching an old movie.
I never had this experience growing up. You bring a whole new childhood to me. What a genuine perspective.
I have been writing in my substack recently, what a freeing feeling. You are blessed!
I love this memory, I live about 20 miles or so from Eby’s and travel through their area often on my way to Honeyville to pick up product from an Amish farm for my farm market. I often spend an hour talking with Jonathan at the farm. I love driving through this area where time seems to slow down. A snowy walk at Bonnyville Mill is beautiful. Your writing is like this for me, it reminds me to slow down, enjoy the view, and the beauty of the moment.
Thank you Carrie for your wonderful story. I cut out the bird ornament and put it on my tree. I could use luck right now, it’s been a rough ending to the year with Covid plaguing my house. Thank you for the lovely bird ornament I love seeing it on my tree every time I walk by it and I remember your story. I have several angels on my tree that represent loved ones that have passed. I also have a gorgeous angel on top of my tree that my mom made herself.
I also added a chair to my tree so they can come down and join us at Christmas. Always save them a seat! They are there whether you realize it or not. Happy Holidays dear Carrie!!
Hi Carrie, I fell in love with your music in 2009-2010, fresh out of college and living with an intentional community, and we went on a retreat in MA and met someone who introduced us to your music. A gathering of spirits, a festival of friends... from then on your music accompanied many of our community prayers and some of my most moving spiritual moments alone, too. So I mean this with all respect and love - how are you using your voice, platform, influence right now in regards to the genocide in Gaza? I keep opening your newsletters hoping you will say something, and then it is just another poetic reflection on your own family, traditions, community, nature - so so beautiful and yet to me feels so empty right now when thousands of children are being slaughtered and our U.S. government is cosigning it and our taxes are paying for it. I know there is a cost to speaking out, and yet how does that cost compare to the weight on our souls for not using what influence we have to stop the atrocities, call for a ceasefire, encourage others to do the same? I took a big personal risk and sent an email to my entire workplace inviting them to consider learning more and taking prayerful action for peace in Palestine and Israel. I asked my family to not buy me anything new for Christmas this year, but donate to a relief organization in Gaza (PCRF, MECA, or Doctors without Borders) and just hand-me-down a book or piece of clothing they already have if they really want to give me something. I have zero public social media presence but have been using every day, multiple posts to raise awareness among my friends and family, and if even one more person is moved to speak out and take action that makes it worth it to me, even if others remain silent or dismiss me or choose to break ties with me. But that is not enough - our leaders are not listening, and lots of people are afraid to say anything, so we need more compassionate wise influential people willing to use their artistic and spiritual gifts to make a difference. Are you still connected to any Quaker communities? American Friends Service Committee has tons of resources on this subject and personal connections to people in Gaza and the West Bank right now. Actually it was through AFSC that my husband met Dr. Refaat Alareer, a poet and professor who was murdered along with his sister and 4 nieces/nephews by an Israeli airstrike (sponsored by the U.S.). He was a friend and mentor to so many around the world, and he was our friend. Every person massacred or forced to starve in Gaza right now is a whole world, a precious human being. So this is my invitation to you to deeply consider that your voice is needed in this moment, and to not be afraid - or, rather, be afraid but do it anyway! But also know that there is less reason to be afraid than you may think, because those of us who see Palestinians as human and are grieving them just as much as we are grieving the Israelis killed and captured on Oct 7 - we will stand with you and invoke blessings for your wellbeing and courage and strength to keep echoing love for every human being and especially those in Gaza who are suffering so brutally due to our government's refusal to intervene and withhold the weapons that are enabling these atrocities to continue. Remembering our family heirlooms is lovely..and in this season all I can remember is the fact that children in Gaza are buried in the rubble along with all their family heirlooms and schools and churches and mosques and hospitals and parents and grandparents and siblings. Again I invite you to take a public stance for ceasefire and an end to the siege and occupation and apartheid conditions in Israel/Palestine and use your personal power and gifts to lead others into their power and compassion in this moment. Raising my cup in a toast or two "to the words and how they live between us, and to us and how we live between the words".
This is a beautiful story. I too have birds on my small tree. A cardinal, Swan, dove, blue jay... I love watching and photographing birds. Eagles and hawks hold special meanings for me. I feel blessed when I see them. Thanks for sharing your story. Merry Christmas!
I just read this post and I knew you gave that ornament to the young man even before reading that you had. If I were to have a Christmas tree it would have turtle ornaments. 😍
Well your Sunday post made my heart happy and that is such a great gift to give. Thank you so much for sharing. I love Christmas ornaments and I love birds on our Christmas tree. There is always one near the top of our tree. Of course being named Robin there are a couple of Robins on the tree too.
Thank you so much for this, Carrie. For more reasons than I can explain, that little sparrow PDF is the loveliest possible gift right now. Did you draw it? Thank you for offering up a Christmas tradition idea that truly has wings—for me, at least!
Ah, you had me at Eby's Pines and went on to wrap me in memories with your story of birds, heirlooms and passed-along gifts. In the late '50s, after my uncle and aunt got to an age when they had to close down their Christmas tree farm in White Pigeon, my parents would bundle me and my cousin in winter layers and away we would go to trek through Eby's Pines, searching - and always finding - that perfect tree. Back home to decorate, the little red felt cardinal was always hung in a special place - wherever my mother pointed to. Once all the favorite ornaments were hung, it was up to my father and me to hang the tinsel - strand by strand by strand. Such are the memories of years and family long-gone at this time of year! I still have a box of those old tin and glass ornaments, along with some others hand-crafted by my mother. I don't know what happened to the cardinal, but perhaps a new tradition will begin this year. Thanks for your stories and songs: lights in the world.
Thanks, Carrie, for forming this community and for all the inspiring, reflective and informative posts!
Thank you Carrie for the lovely thoughts. May we all have some treasured legacy from the past. Happy Holidays to you and all the community!
I so resonated with this post because I too collect bird ornaments for my tree. Now I know why. One Christmas, during chemo treatment, I also made origami cranes for my tree, for healing, even though I didn’t get anywhere close to 1,000. I love that you are giving the gift of joy and hope to a stranger who was not expecting anything. Thank you for the gift of your spirit, so beautifully shared.
I was gifted my 95 year old mama’s very 1st Christmas tree ornament from 1928, and it also has a metal clip ( think clothes pin style) to attach and a small fish ornament. They are so beautiful and are the first to be placed on our tree as well. My mam passed to her new resting place in Jan. Of this year so both are so much more revered. I will be passing these on to my grown daughter this Christmas to continue to remember the symbolic meaning of the bird and fish.
Your post today melted my heart and eyes into a puddle of warmth knowing you also have something that is close to your mama.
Thank you for your story, words and love for those that sre close to your heart. Happy holidays.