Here lately ceramic Christmas Trees are all special again. The trees were highly popular years ago and almost every home had one. As early as the 1940s, the trees were being made but their popularity hung around for several decades. I remember how I marveled at the one that stood on the small round table at my grandparents' home. We did not have one on the farm so this was a true novelty to my young eyes. It was beautiful with its little glowing lights and shiny ceramic finish. My aunts also had them and I know Mom would have if the farm income would have afforded it. Later, after my grandparents passed, the tree made its way to the farmhouse and Mom cherished it. I do not know whatever became of the thing after she passed but I truly wished it had wound up at the Little Bayou House. The trees fell out of vogue during the 1970s and became a quirky thing that the "older generation" did. No one wanted the things anymore. I was one of the weird ones who still wished for one.
A few years ago, one of my favorite aunts passed and my cousin graciously offered the ceramic tree to me. I was honored and have proudly displayed the tree every year. The little candles and birds shine brightly causing me to admire its beauty. Then, another favorite aunt moved and I was given her larger version. I was tickled to have two of the trees. This one has a music box hidden in the stand which makes it special!
Now, suddenly the trees are back in style! They are coveted by people everywhere. Some go for as high as hundreds of dollars and are sold out in no time. I have no need for any from this new round of interest as I have two of the originals!
I actually make the Christmas Trees. I have the ceramic mold and kiln. They are easy to make but the little "lights" are difficult to find at times. (Not the inner light fixture but the tiny plastic glow lights seem to be scarce at times.) Now the funny part about this whole ceramic Christmas Tree craze is that although I make the trees for others, I have yet to keep one of my own creations. Those trees were not what caught my eye as a child. The two from my aunts are what mean the world to me. Still, since this new found fad of wanting an old time fad is all the rage, perhaps I should start creating the trees on a regular basis. There's money in those trees!
Tomorrow being Mother's Day, we should all pay tribute to those women who have taken the time and effort to raise a family. Those wonderful ladies who give selflessly so that their children can grow up to be decent human beings. Those incredible ladies who instilled in each of us the life skills it takes, not only for daily survival but those needed to become the best in our fields. Moms everywhere...I salute you. Stand proud. Pat yourself on the back. Endulge in a bit of smug accomplishment. You deserve it. You have the world's toughest job and you nailed it!
As I sit here thinking back on the ladies that nutured me thoughout my childhood and as a young adult, a thought flits through the brain. Although, we have one natural mother, so many ladies form our outlook on life. Mine of course was Mom, first and foremost. She taught me kindness, generosity and faithfulness and a whole boatload of life skills. My maternal grandmother taught me meekness, passiveness and patience. My paternal grandmother passed before I was born but from her, I learned stubborness and not to fear hard work. My mother-in-law taught me respect and love. My grandmother-in-law taught me how to look at things with a sense of humor. Aunt Marie instructed me not only physical things like how to pick a crab, can greenbeans and put sleeves on a garment but how to face whatever life threw at me. Aunt Betty taught me the more genteel things of life such as always maintaining a good attitude and having a ready smile. My mom's cousin, Fairie Lyn, made sure I learned preparedness, budgeting and a love for nature. My Aunt Jamie showed me how to hold my head up high, look others in the eye and say "I am good enough!" Aunt Eloise instilled in me the love of learning and reading. Aunt Helen gave me pointers in how to keep the imagination alive and how to see the lighter side of things. Obviously, it takes a village to raise a child...or at least a mom and a dozen or so aunts and grandmothers!
The main thing is that all of these ladies gave. They gave love to a little girl growing up, to a young woman stepping out and to a mother raising kids of her own. They just gave without ever looking at what they would receive in return. Now even though, they are all gone from this world, their lessons live. I look back and wish that I had asked more questions. How I wish I had listened more, talked less and followed more of their advice. I miss them. I can only pray that I was half the mother that they ALL were to me.
To all the young mothers out there in the process of raising little ones or fighting to steer teenagers in the right direction, I have one bit of advice. Be proud of the job you are doing. It is tough. It is the hardest job you will ever do. It seems to be thankless at times but do not despair. You have been chosen to be one who leads your child to greatness. You can do it! You ARE doing it! Happy Mother's Day.
