Our Christmas celebration is a large, informal, multi-generation celebration. Since this year will be the first Christmas without my Mom and Dad (beloved Grandma and Papa O), I knew that I wanted to honor their memory. As a result the cookie platter this year will be a departure from the traditional Christmas designs.
For the past five years, star cookies have become a significant part of my cookie world as I have shared simple cookies with this message for people who have lost a loved one:
Perhaps they are not stars in the sky
but rather openings in the heavens
where loved ones look down
to let us know they are happy.
I knew that I wanted to include stars in my cookie designs and that thought eventually evolved into a winter scene to reflect the many fun times that our extended family has shared in the north woods.
-our childhood family vacations were spent in the north woods of Wisconsin
-our parents chose to retire in the north woods
-my sister, Rita, and her husband built a home right next to Mom and Dad
and earlier this year,
-my sister, Carol, and her husband purchased Mom and Dad's home
Simple circles to represent the frozen lake that is perfect for snowmobiling. . .
Birch trees with Dad's beloved birds. . .
Pretty pine trees. . .
Bill's Tree Farm. . .
Rita and Bill's house. . .
The cottage that my nephew, Kevin, is renovating. . .
Mom and Dad's home, Never Would, because Mom always said she "never would" live there full time. Now Carol and Marty's home, "Never Would 2."
more years. . .
. . .and Mom and Dad would be very happy.
Forever in our hearts and in the stars.
The birch tree is my favorite, but what a wonderful star-filled collection honoring all the family memories from the North Woods! Your selection and coordination of designs is as impressive as your decorating! Truly a sweet success for this first Christmas without your parents.
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