By the time you read this most likely the packages that were under your tree will have been opened and you will be preparing for the start of 2014. As you reflect back on the happenings of 2013 I hope you have some happy memories.
One of the simple joys of my holiday season happened back on December 7th when our 5 year old granddaughter, Calyn, helped me decorate our Christmas tree. It was so much more fun than decorating alone. She joined me in singing along with the Christmas CD that was playing. As Calyn carefully placed each ornament in a good spot I told her to pay close attention to which ornament was her favorite one, because I was going to let her take it home with her and start her own ornament collection. As our tree decorating came to an end Calyn said she knew which ornament she was going to choose. No, it wasn’t the most elaborate ornament on the tree. It was a handmade one; an inverted pine cone that had been flocked and embellished with some tiny silk roses and a green satin ribbon.
My plan worked well. My tree has one less ornament on it (which you would never miss) and when I stopped by the kids’ house, Calyn proudly showed me the prominent place her special ornament had on their tree. As the grandkids get older and select their favorite ornaments through the years I can downsize to a smaller tree and they will have a special keepsake from papa and me.
Take time this holiday season to make memories with your family. You will never regret giving the gift of time. I have enjoyed bringing research based information to you during the past year and look forward to an exciting year ahead. I am working on a brochure that will highlight my educational programs for January through June. It should be ready by January 6th. Happy New Year!
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu