N oel

Every family has its own treasures. What may be priceless to one person may be junk to another. I believe most things carry a "value" that has absolutely nothing to do with dollar signs.

Today I'm sharing one of my treasures with you. The NOEL letters are one of my earliest memories of Christmas. When I was a child, my mother put them out right after Thanksgiving. They stayed in place until January when she put the house back to post-holiday order. I remember running a fingertip over the leaves and berries almost reverently. I was afraid to break them so I was very, very careful. My mother wouldn't have said a word had I damaged the letters but I loved them so I didn't want to harm them.

When I got married my mother gave me the NOEL. It's been part of our holiday tradition every year since. The letters come out early, and stay until January. And I still run a fingertip lovingly over the swirls and berries.

Hubby and I were only married a year or so before we saw an identical NOEL in an antique shop. We purchased the second set and we gave them to my mom. Now we both enjoy NOELs...mine a gift from her and hers a gift from us.

Why am I so crazy about these little letters? They're not expensive. Not one-of-a-kind, limited edition collectibles. They're not even particularly gorgeous. Still, I love 'em.

Of course the reason these are one of my "treasures" is because they remind me of my childhood. Happy memories. Love. Wonder. Excitement. They make me feel like a little girl again, bring back the warmth in the center of my chest that bloomed every year while I watched my mother unwrap the NOEL.

So, our NOEL is out. We're ready for the holiday season.

What about you? Is there anything that your family enjoys each season that brings the warm glow of childhood back to your life? Care to share?