A long time ago, when I was in 2nd grade, I made a miniature Santa to give as a gift to my parents for Christmas. It was made out of a walnut, red felt and some white fluff. This silly arts-n-craft ornament was placed on the tree every year. Usually, it was at the bottom or in the back, you know, some place secluded as to not distract from the beauty and ambiance of our family Christmas tree.
Over the years, the Walnut Santa (as it was appropriately named) became worn and tattered -the eyes and mouth became faded and the beard became stretched and thinned. Nonetheless, it still adorns my parents tree every year. This once seemingly and typical child's craft is now considered a cherished family heirloom as it sits atop the tree right beneath the angel. 
And now, at every Christmas, I laugh (and am laughed at) about the appearance of the Walnut Santa. But, throughout the year, I get subtle reminders of the infamous ornament, as I did last weekend when "Batman" insisted we get our "Princess" a new loofa dog (a funky loofah style pet toy).It only took "Gozer" 5 minutes of rough play to dismember this pink, stuffed animal, at which, "Batman" decided to pretend he was a jolly old elf.
