Our love for chandeliers runs deep—those grand, whimsical structures that have graced the ceilings of homes for generations. But every so often, we stumble upon chandeliers that have seen better days, maybe at a garage sale or a reuse shop. These chandeliers may be incomplete, missing several crystals, or part of an outdated pendant set that seems to have lost its place in time.

That's where our tradition comes in. The glass crystals from these chandeliers are treasures in their own right—hand-cut and capable of catching light in a way that breathes life into any space. When hung on our Yule tree, these crystals transform into glittering icicles, each one a fragment of history shimmering in the festive glow.

Their durability is as remarkable as their beauty. Even amidst the joyous hustle of singing and circling the Yule tree, when the ground shakes and the ornaments tremble, these crystals hold their own, strong enough to withstand the festivities without shattering.

However, capturing the true essence of these sparkling ornaments through the lens of a camera presents a unique challenge. The autofocus, a reliable ally in most scenarios, meets its match in these refracted, lensed glass pieces.

After the season, we carefully tuck these precious ornaments away in our "Yule crate," a treasure trove of items specially reserved for our Yule traditions. Each crystal finds a home in a lovely pouch, safeguarded and cherished until the next year rolls around. Then, they'll emerge once more, ready to decorate, dazzle, and remind us of the timeless elegance they bring to our holiday celebrations.

As they sparkle on our Yule tree, they remind us of the joy that comes with preserving memories and creating new ones, year after year.