The year I was born I became part of a very special family tradition. That year my Grandmother gave me my first Hallmark Keepsake Ornament. Each year after that I received a new one; some years she selected one for me, some years I was able to share a little input on my favorites.
Fast forward 36 years and those ornaments – including that Baby’s First Christmas one – grace my tree. And in addition to capturing special moments and interests from each year, that was the goal. That by the time I (and later my brothers and cousins) grew up and moved out on our own we wouldn’t have a bare Christmas tree.
Hanging the ornaments this year was a little bit bittersweet. This is the first Christmas since my Grandmother passed late this spring so there was no new ornament from her. My Mom picked up the tradition which I greatly appreciate, but it’s not exactly the same, you know?
A few weeks ago the wonderful people at Hallmark offered to send me a Hallmark Keepsake Ornament of my choosing. As I flipped through the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Book (that I look forward to picking up each year; my copy is always dogeared) I must admit to being a little teary-eyed. On most pages I found ornaments that I could envision my Gram passing along to me.
When I saw Otis J. Muffinstuff, though, I knew. My Gram was an amazing baker and I spent many a weekend in the kitchen with her baking breads, brownies and candy cane cookies, plus making untold pounds of peanut butter fudge. The beautiful snowman baker with the sweet kitchen motif around the bottom would be the perfect tribute to my Gram and her memory.
Having the Otis J. Muffinstuff Hallmark Keepsake Ornament on my tree makes me smile every time I walk past. We hung it right in the front center of the tree so it has a special place of honor. Paired with the other Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments I have I feel like a little bit of my Gram is with us as we celebrate.
The folks at Hallmark have offered to send one of you a special Hallmark Keepsake Ornament, as well (ornament may differ from the one I received). Giveaway closed – congrats Curtis H!
Don’t forget to enter Hallmark’s #KeepsakeIt sweepstakes, too. Post on Instagram or Twitter a memory you’d like keepsake. Be sure to use the #KeepsakeIt hashtag and you’ll be entered to win weekly prizes and the grand prize of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments plus $3000 to put towards a family vacation. Sweepstakes ends December 18th, so hurry to enter.
Which of this year’s Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments is your favorite?
About Liza
Liza is a mom (5-year-old daughter, 20-year-old stepson, and 24-year-old stepdaughter) and wife living in Louisville. She loves spending time with her family, visiting the local zoo and parks, as well as planning travel adventures. Cooking and baking, DIY projects and crafts, and coffee - lots and lots of coffee - round out some of her other hobbies.
I love the “mom” snowman one. It’s so cute!
I like the Holiday Lighthouse Keepsake Ornament
I would love ANY of them. I got Elsa for my daughter this year, thankfully! I love the Belle one too.
The Yule Hogs are really adorable.
Love the photo Baby’s 1st Christmas (which Hallmark sent me) but also really like the Tom & Jerry “The Last Straw” one. I need to go get that one for my son.
I think the Comfy Cozy Snowman is really cute.
Thank you!
I like the Magical Snowman and the Pinch of Love…. both would be perfect to give my mom
I also really like the Olaf ornament! Too cute!
My favorite Keepsake Ornament would have to be the Our Wedding Photo Holder
Keepsake Ornament! My husband and I have been looking for one of these for a while now!
I LOVE their wedding ornaments! What a great choice.
Yule Hogs is my favorite.
I like the Where Dreams Become Toys Keepsake Ornament
Love the Sorry! ornament. Reminds me of the times we went on vacations as a child and stayed in the cabin playing games because it was to rainy to go out.
I love the Heaven and Nature Sing Ornament- it reminds me of a gingerbread bird house
The Legendary Leg Lamp is awesome! I laugh every time I see it.
I love the Merry Christmas to All ornament!
One ornament that I love on their site is the Our Hero Military ornament.
i like the Yule Hogs