Christmas Ornaments

All of my Christmas ornaments have a story.  Last year, Mom and I decorated my tree together.  I handed her ornament after ornament and told her the story that went along with each and every one.  As she helped me again this year, I thought it might be nice to share a few of the special ones with y'all.  So, this week I am going to feature a couple of my favorite ornaments.

With an ode' to the anniversary of Sesame Street, I figured I'd begin with my childhood crew.  These were my faves as a youngster, and I'm still quite attached to them now.  They're stinking adorable!

Ironically, Elmo is not a part of the set...guess he wasn't as big in the early 80s.  Anyway, more ornaments to come tomorrow.

Sesame Street

As you all probably know, this week chronicles Sesame Street's 40th anniversary.  As I drove to Athens yesterday, I enjoyed listening to a brief but meaningful story of the changes and lessons learned from the program.  NPR created a list of eight lesson Sesame Street has learned over the past 40 years.  Take a moment to listen here...

http://www.pba.org/programming/programs/citycafe/

This brief piece made me think about all my memories of Sesame Street.

For example, how Big Bird taught my brother, Harlan, to tie his shoes (and how he still uses the "bunny ear" method at 36).

Every year, I continue to put my plastic Sesame Street ornaments on my Christmas tree (even as an adult).

The birthday parties of both Will and Lilly with Sesame Street themes.

   

The first production the nieces and nephew ever saw was...Sesame Street Live.  How we all (grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents, and kids) drove downtown to watch the amazement on the faces of the little ones.

  

The addiction to Elmo, Grover, and all the others.

  

I feel a sense of peacefulness with Sesame Street.  It is something that I had as a child and my nieces and nephew have too.  It is quality programing that provides children a sense of comfort and learning.

Happy Birthday Sesame Street!

Oh, and if you haven't had an opportunity to see Mike Luckovich's cartoon commemorating the day...