On a snowy November day, in Powell River, B.C., Lana Cullis and her daughter Kit were going through boxes of Christmas ornaments. Kit, now living independently, wanted to decorate her own Christmas tree. Unpacking the ornaments brought back memories of past losses and grief for Lana, who had fostered 23 children over eight years. As they sorted through the ornaments, Kit shared stories about each homemade ornament, even from makers she had never met. Lana was surprised to discover that Kit’s holiday memories differed from hers.
Among the ornaments was a tree topper from Lana’s first Christmas with her husband, now separated. The angel tree topper symbolized a crack in their marriage, held together by Krazy Glue. Lana offered the angel to Kit, who happily accepted it, reminiscing about always wanting to be the one to place the angel on top of the tree.
Another ornament, a Santa sleigh and reindeer made by an eight-year-old foster child years ago, evoked mixed emotions for Lana. The child had crafted it at a foster family Christmas party but was later placed elsewhere. Despite not being able to see him, Lana hoped he knew they still cared for him.
Reflecting on past traditions, Lana recalled how they made Christmas inclusive for foster children by adjusting the family dinner schedule. They also gave each child a unique ornament, allowing them to keep it as a memento when they left. These traditions helped create lasting memories for both the children and Lana’s family.
As they continued decorating the tree, Kit found joy in recalling past Christmases and the significance of each ornament. Lana realized that Kit had learned valuable lessons from their family’s experiences and looked forward to seeing her daughter’s tree this year, filled with her cheerful spirit.