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Holiday Memories

by habituallychic

12 . 26 . 11
Sorry for the absence.  I stayed in New York this holiday and was off enjoying myself.  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and Hanukkah wherever you spent them.  My father suggested recently that I tell the story of the Christmas that Santa left me every present a five year could have ever imagine like a dollhouse and new canopy bed.  While that was a great Christmas memory, my favorite present was the one that didn’t come from a store.  After a particularly stressful 2009, I asked my father over Christmas if I could “borrow” his vintage Breitling watch that belonged to his uncle. I had always admired it and I knew it would cheer me up. I think I caught him at a good moment and he relented.  For the last two years, I’ve worn it everyday with pride and admiration.  It’s beautiful to look at and is always a conversation starter. But more importantly, it makes me think of my family when we’re not together. I probably should find myself another vintage watch and give it back but so far, I can’t seem to part with it. Maybe a better plan would be to buy my father another vintage watch.  Do you have any favorite holiday memories?

8 Comments
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  1. lacoquettedumode December 26, 2011 | 5:24 pm

    That is such a beautiful watch! My favorite Christmas memories are when I would receive Barbie dolls or toy makeup kits as a child- those were always my favorite 🙂

    XX Kathryn
    http://lacoquettedumode.wordpress.com/

  2. Hollye December 26, 2011 | 6:11 pm

    This is a beautiful story and gorgeous watch. The best presents are indeed the ones that do not come from a store.
    Happy Holidays!
    Hollye
    http://www.TheSilverPen.com

  3. Chloe Jacqueline December 26, 2011 | 7:25 pm

    What a sweet story! The watch is beautiful as well! I am glad you got to spend some time with family and loved ones! Happy holidays!

  4. guinness and luv December 27, 2011 | 12:03 am

    Love this story; love so many of your stories. And I’ve actually thought of adding a battery and new band to my long-gone dad’s ‘Time magazine’ souvenir watch, just for the fun of wearing something that was his so many decades ago, creating some type of bridge from that last century to this. Watches can do that for us.

  5. Karena December 27, 2011 | 3:00 am

    We all have these special events that seem to be part of what molds us . I will bet that you Father is very pleased that you enjoy the watch so much, Heather.

    All the best to you & your family in 2012!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

  6. Ragland Hill Social by Gwen Driscoll December 27, 2011 | 3:18 am

    Beautiful watch & laced with wonderful memories, even better.

    With every charm I give my daughter, Lucy, for her charm bracelet I hope one day she’ll be so glad to have it. At 11, it seems to be gifts I appreciate more than she does.

    I bet your Dad is happy for you to have the watch…gifts are definitely more fun to give than receive!

    Wishing you a very Happy New Year!

    Best,

    Gwen

  7. Joseph the Butler December 27, 2011 | 3:19 am

    I love this photograph. And the sentiment.

  8. MJH Design Arts December 27, 2011 | 12:05 pm

    Hi Heather, Thank you for sharing–I think that I will search for something tangible like your dad’s watch to wear when I’m feeling vulnerable…what a wonderful way to bring those you love closer. Have a wonderful New Year—just what exactly is up your sleeve this time??? xoxo Mary