Traditions
Story by Ashley Elvington • Laura McBryde Photography
The most special tree in the Barrineau home, however, is in the den.
“Everyone gets three new ornaments each year to add to their collection, for we know that all
to soon our precious babies will move out and have lives of their own. When that time comes,
we hope they will enjoy placing their ornaments on their trees, filling them with all of the happy
that I have been filling up for a family member for years now. Once they have eaten all of the
memories we’ve shared as a family. For now, these ornaments are on our family tree along with
cookies, they bring back the jar for me to refill the next year.” Once December arrives, Tara
so many handmade ornaments the children have made for us over the years, picture orna-
looks forward to Hallmark movies, listening to her church’s cantata and riding around to look
ments of our family members, and other wonderful gifts we’ve collected.” Everyone is secretive
at Christmas decorations with her family. “Family time means so much to me. This is our time
when selecting an ornament; that way it’s a complete surprise to everyone when the gifts are
away from everything else… no cell phones, iPads, etc., just family talk when we can discuss
unwrapped. “I typically look for ornaments throughout the year and try to find something that
the importance of the season and our love for Jesus and what He means in each of our lives.”
reminds me of each person, whether it’s something that they like, a hobby or something that
Twelve years ago, Tara’s family started the special, yet unique, tradition of having BBQ and
they are into that year. I bought my daughter a cowgirl ornament one year because that’s what
grits Christmas morning. “Every year, we have a family BBQ dinner on Christmas Eve at my fa-
she loved. One of the first ornaments I bought her was Buzz Lightyear, because Toy Story was
ther-in-law’s with all of the family and extended family. Afterwards, we pack to-go plates and
her favorite movie.” Tara’s favorites include the gingerbread house with the family’s names on
we have this on Christmas morning with grits at our house… usually this is after everyone has
it (given to Tara by her mother-in-law a few years before she passed away), which is always
opened their presents and the grandparents have come over to see what Santa has left. This is a
placed at the front of the tree, the Raggedy Ann and Andy ornament given by Tara’s husband
very special but simple meal every year.” The Barrineaus also take time to sing Happy Birthday
that was specially ordered for her, and the handmade ornaments made by their children. “No
to Jesus. “I started this when my son Jackson was very young. We love to sing, and I wanted to
matter how old they are or if they have come unglued, I fix them back so that they can go on
make sure that both of my kids knew that Christmas time is not about the presents but about
the tree.” Each year, Tara, with the help of her children, makes a special day out of placing the
the present of Jesus. It’s important for us to take time to realize that the present that Jesus gave
ornaments in their rightful places. “Typically, we have Christmas music playing. We get so ex-
to us was on a tree and not under a tree. So this is why we sing Happy Birthday to Him.”
cited about finding our ornaments and the memories that come along with each one.”
The Barrineau traditions certainly make each Christmas special. But, with such a wonderful
Ornaments aren’t the only tradition in the Barrineau famil y, however. “I love to bake during
family, Tara is surrounded in love that lasts all year long. “There’s nothing more special to me
the holidays – especially my homemade chocolate chip cookies that I make for everyone at
than slowing things down from the hustle and bustle of the year and doing things my family and
work, send to my son’s school classroom, and share with family. I have one special cookie jar
I love… all the while soaking up all of the wonderful feelings, realizing how truly blessed we are.”
Tara Barrineau resides in Olanta, South Carolina, with her husband Brooks and their two children, Brittany and Jackson. Tara is a Surgery Coordinator for Florence Neurosurgery & Spine, PC.
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DECEMBER 2015
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