Christmas time is sacred in our home. We have created many seasonal traditions - some purposeful and some organic - that ground our family and have already provided a lifetime of memories for my husband, myself and our teen and young adult children. 

Among those traditions is the ornament game. This beloved tradition was developed organically several years ago when someone (I can’t remember who) started playing “I spy” with the Christmas tree. You see, each year each family member receives an ornament to commemorate the year. This also helps to build a cache of decorations for when each of our children are out on their own. We tend to remember the circumstances behind receiving the ornament, and what the ornament represents. This is where the magic comes in.

To play the game, we all gather around the Christmas tree and dim the lights so the tree and its sparkling lights are the focal point. Christmas music plays in the background and then someone starts. 

He or she identifies an ornament in secret, in his or her mind. Then he or she gives a hint that will identify the ornament. The rest of us shout out our guesses until someone lands on the correct one! At times, it may be necessary to give another hint. 

When the correct ornament is identified, the person who originally chose it points to it in the tree and discussions of fun memories surrounding the ornament usually ensue. 

For example - there are many homemade ornaments from the kids which I just can’t and won’t let go of. In preschool, Ryan made an ornament out of the top to a feta cheese container and wrapping paper. Feta is one of my favorite cheeses and this ornament always brings lots of laughter - and teasing from Brennan and Katie - Ryan’s older siblings.

This Christmas, try the ornament game with your family or friends! We hope you have traditions that help ground your family and create memories to last a lifetime. Share yours below and have a wonderfully Merry Christmas!