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The Ornaments - bits of visual meaning
I worked part-time for many years in two different Hallmark stores. Each year, I was fascinated with the annual display of Christmas ornaments. For those of you not familiar with the annual Christmas collection, I should tell you that the unveiling of the Christmas line rolls out in July. Many non-collector customers would frequently be surprised that the ornaments began so early, but we would assure them it was to help our faithful collectors get through the buying season before Christmas hit. I personally was thrilled when they arrived. It was so exciting, and every year the ornaments were so beautiful, whimsical, meaningful and creative! (At this point I should add that I have a very Dickensian attitude towards Christmas. I'm a big believer in living the spirit of Christmas all year. Would that the world was full of good-will, charity and focusing on others all year!)
After spending years around both dedicated collectors and one-time purchasers, I decided to comment on what I saw. The meaning of some of these ornaments just jumps out. Both types of customers buy ornaments for the same reason- because they recognize a meaning in the ornament, like a snapshot of visual meaning. Not everyone is able to express what they want to say to a loved one. Customers come in looking for a way to say something, and not always verbally. They found meaning in the ornaments, even if they couldn't really express why, yet they connect to that meaning and buy the ornament because it expresses what they want to say to someone else. Often the customer doesn't realize why she likes the ornament so much, and I liked to spend a few moments with her, helping her pull out and articulate that meaning. After all, as Catholics we have a long, long history of understanding meaning in the visual and the physical. Our faith is based on it.
Over the years, I heard many stories about family traditions and how the ornaments are passed down, generation to generation. Not every ornament is here - just my favorites!
After spending years around both dedicated collectors and one-time purchasers, I decided to comment on what I saw. The meaning of some of these ornaments just jumps out. Both types of customers buy ornaments for the same reason- because they recognize a meaning in the ornament, like a snapshot of visual meaning. Not everyone is able to express what they want to say to a loved one. Customers come in looking for a way to say something, and not always verbally. They found meaning in the ornaments, even if they couldn't really express why, yet they connect to that meaning and buy the ornament because it expresses what they want to say to someone else. Often the customer doesn't realize why she likes the ornament so much, and I liked to spend a few moments with her, helping her pull out and articulate that meaning. After all, as Catholics we have a long, long history of understanding meaning in the visual and the physical. Our faith is based on it.
Over the years, I heard many stories about family traditions and how the ornaments are passed down, generation to generation. Not every ornament is here - just my favorites!
