On a snowy day in November, Lana Cullis and her daughter Kit were busy sorting through four boxes of tree ornaments, each claiming their share. Kit, now living on her own, was eager to decorate her own Christmas tree. For Lana, unpacking these decorations brought forth a flood of memories of past losses and the children who were no longer part of their holiday celebrations.
Over eight years, Lana’s family had fostered and cared for 23 children, with most placements being temporary. Amid fostering, their two children had joined the family through adoption. Lana was surprised to find that Kit remembered the stories behind each homemade ornament, even from makers she had never met. Their holiday memories, it seemed, held different perspectives.
As Lana uncovered a tree topper from her first Christmas with her husband, now cracked but held together by Krazy Glue, she passed it on to Kit. To her delight, Kit eagerly accepted the angel, reminiscing about how she had always wanted to be the one to place it atop the tree but felt too small in the past.
Another ornament, a Santa sleigh and reindeer crafted by an eight-year-old foster child, stirred mixed emotions in Lana. Recalling the social worker’s unsuccessful attempt to make him a permanent ward after five years in their care, Lana and her family were left with a sense of longing and love for the boy they could no longer contact.
Kit, sensing her mother’s emotions, took the Santa decoration and shared fond memories of playing with it as a child. Amidst these reflections, the family’s efforts to make holidays inclusive for foster children stood out. They adjusted their Christmas celebrations to allow the children time with their families and initiated a tradition of unique ornaments for each child, creating lasting mementos of their time together.
Retrieving a reindeer ornament made of pompoms, ribbon, and pipe cleaner antlers, Lana recalled the humorous nickname her son had given the pair. Reflecting on past divisions of ornaments during her divorce, Lana was touched by Kit’s appreciation for the continuity of Rudolph on their Christmas trees, regardless of their location.
As they prepared to decorate their trees separately this year, Lana found solace in Kit’s positive outlook, knowing that her daughter’s joyful spirit would overshadow any lingering sadness associated with the ornaments. Anticipating Kit’s festive tree, Lana eagerly awaited a new chapter of holiday traditions.
Would you like to share a personal story that can inspire or support others? Learn more about pitching your story to us here.