My mom was one of the most talented and creative people I’ve ever known. She used her talents to create things that brought joy to others. Clothes, quilts, blankets, home decor and more.
With a joyful heart, she worked from January through the first of December, making Christmas gifts for her family and friends. Handmade gifts. Nothing store bought.
When our family gathered for Thanksgiving each year, before she put up her Christmas tree and decorations, she surprised us with something she made to add to our Christmas decor. It became a holiday tradition and signaled the beginning of the Christmas season.
I don’t remember the year my mom made this fluffy, curly-haired angel for our Thanksgiving surprise, but she’s been around for many holiday seasons. At first, the hair was in curls and tight around the head. Now, the hairdo has seen better days and her halo is crooked. Several years ago, I started calling her “Bad-Hair-Day” angel, and the name stuck.
Bad-Hair-Day angel makes me smile each time I pass where she sits, especially if I’m having one of those bad hair days myself. Honestly, how can that sweet face and the tumbled hair not make you smile?
This year I decided Bad-Hair-Day will not go back into storage, but will have a permanent place on a shelf in my sitting room. I need her as a reminder on my bad hair days to keep my smile, live life completely, and find joy in each day.
Bad-Hair-Day also has a new name. She is now called “Joyful,” because her joyful countenance and tumbled hair make me smile.
I still have the pattern my mama used to make this sweet angel and might see what I can do this coming year to make a choir of angels to join her. I might need all of you to help me name each angel. The McCalls pattern number is 8390 and is from the 1990s. I’m not sure it is still available. Perhaps on Etsy.
I am blessed and thankful to have reminders like this angel of Christmases past and the love my mom showered on all of us. It was the love she poured into everything she did, from Christmas crafts, handmade gifts, and baking that made Christmas magical.
When you walked in my mama’s house, you could feel the warmth of her love any day throughout the year. Yes, she faced many hardships and trials, but through it all, she kept a joyful heart, and continued to serve God and others. That’s what this angel reminds me. Don’t let the hardships and trials take away your joy.
My mama’s life Scripture was Phil. 4:13, and she lived it. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Oh, the things we can do when we realize our strength and joy comes from the Lord.
Sing a song of joy with Chris Tomlin: Hymn of Joy
Worship with CeCe Winans: I’ve Got Joy
Worship with Phil Wickham: Joy to the World
Sing a song of joy with Angie Killian: Born to Bring Us Joy
Discover more from Sandi Herron - Life at Spring Meadows
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I love this story. It reminds me so much of my Christmases from the past. I no longer have my mom but I have such sweet memories. I’m thankful for family and the memories we share. When we are together, we spend our time talking and remembering. I always come home from the holidays refreshed and filled with love. Thank you!
I remember the year your mom made these angels. I still have mine and love it. Thank you for the reminder of how much your mom loved our family and did everything she could to make sure we all had “magical” days.
Thank you for this information
Janice, you are so welcome. I will be making a “choir” of these angels this year and have them ready for the coming Christmas season that will be here before we know it. I’ll post pictures as I make them.
I loved your story about the bad hair day angel. I have thought so much about my mom during this Christmas season. She always made my Christmas special. I shared that with one of my granddaughters this Christmas, and she told me that is what you do for all of us. That was a special compliment. One I will always be thankful for.
Marilyn, I know you make Christmas and every day throughout the year special for your family. Sunday dinners, birthdays, and so much more. There are very few families that make time for one another. You are a blessing to your family!