Christmas may still carry her handwriting: the cookie recipe, the labels on the ornament boxes, the card tucked beneath the ribbon. The first December without your mother rearranges those familiar things. A small ornament can keep her name among them without asking the family to explain it.
What can go on it
- Her name, or simply "Mom." Both read right.
- The years, or only her birth year. The one-date-or-two question is a personal one; the main memorial page walks through the alternatives.
- A line in her handwriting. Engraved from a recipe card or an old Christmas card, if one survives.
- A cardinal with her name. The bird carries the old saying about loved ones visiting.
- A photo heart. The "Forever in Our Hearts" photo designs, printed on ceramic.
If her recipe cards are still in a drawer, one line in her own hand can become the ornament. Scan the card or photograph it straight on in daylight, then choose a maker who shows the engraving or print in a preview. Keep the original card safely at home.
Good to know
Questions people ask
What should it say?
Her name and years are enough. Add one line the family already uses, such as “always with us,” or choose a phrase from her own handwriting. The wording guide groups several lines for mothers and parents.
Is the first Christmas too soon?
There is no schedule. Give it when the family wants her included on the tree, whether that is the first Christmas or years later.
Can it hold her photo?
Yes. Choose a clear picture from the chest up in which she looks recognizably like herself, and inspect the face and crop in the preview.
When should I order for Christmas?
Personalized pieces are made to order. December 10 is the safe cutoff for standard shipping.
From the Ornamagic studio
From our studio
Our own memorial designs are made to order. You see the preview with the name and dates before anything is engraved.
Seasonal reminders
Three emails a year. That's the whole list.
September (order early), late October (personalization deadlines), late November (last shipping day). Plus 10% off your first ornament.