the 2012 christmas ornament -- unveiled

each year growing up, my mom had a new ornament for each of us kids to hang on our christmas tree.  the ornament would serve as a reminder of some memory or experience from the year.

and every year as i hang my ornaments, i relive those memories as i trim the tree.  it's a tradition that i do now with my family.

and here is this year's big reveal -- the cardinal.  in honor of our family trip to st. louis over memorial day.  while i've been on the look out for these red birds since our trip, i finally ordered them last week. (nothing like a deadline to get me moving!)  now they've found a new home on our tree -- at least for a few more weeks.

what's a favorite christmas tradition you celebrate with your family?