A Year Told in Ornaments

This time last year, we rang in the New Year in Piazza Garibaldi--fireworks, chaos, and a night full of energy. This year looked very different, and just as memorable. We were invited to a New Year's Eve party at Tammy and Ollie's podere, and carpooled with Elena and Robby (a blessing, since it's too far to walk). 

By the time we arrived, the party was already in full swing. In what felt like ten minutes, we were introduced to roughly thirty people--and interestingly, not a single Italian. Germans, Poles, Brits, Americans, one Brazilian, and me representing Canada. It made for lively conversations and a truly international evening. The food reflected that mix as well: abundant and delicious. Despite the chilly night air, a massive bonfire--likely fueled by old olive stumps from on property--kept everyone warm. No sooner had I finished explaining what marshmallows were than the s'mores supplies appeared. Trust Tammy to think of everything. We welcomed the New Year with champagne at midnight and headed home happy and full.

For my first post of 2026, I thought I'd look back on 2025 by way of the ornaments we collected along the way. Each one marks a place, a moment, or a chapter from the year. I've also included links to earlier posts for anyone who'd like to revisit the journey. 

Our year began in Edmonton, where we spent time time helping my dad and visiting my mom in the hospital, all while I renewed my passport. During that visit, we made time for the Alberta Aviation Museum, where we picked up a propeller ornament (not the hot air balloon).

Alberta Aviation Museum ornament

From there we made a quick pitstop in San Diego before heading to Japan for our bonsai tour. We landed in Tokyo, took the train to Kyoto, visited the Golden Pavilion in the snow, and eventually made our way to Nagoya--where we met one of many Shiba Inus. Naturally, that inspired the ornament we brought home.

Shiba Inu ornament from Japan

After Japan, we were back in San Diego briefly while Ira worked with bonsai clients, then off to Brooklyn for another job. Since we were already on the East Coast, we took the train to Virginia to visit Ira's relatives and then continued on to Washington, D.C. We explored several Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of Natural History--where we didn't see the Hope Diamond, but did come home with an ornament.

Museum of Natural History ornament

We also visited The People's House: A White House Experience, which has a beautiful gift shop featuring official White House ornaments. After much deliberation, we chose two: a helicopter commemorating President Eisenhower's pioneering use of presidential helicopter transport, and the 2024 ornament honoring President Jimmy Carter. The anchor symbolizes his U.S. Navy, while the doves represent his lifelong commitment to peace, including the Camp David Accords. 

Official 2019 White House Christmas ornament

Another highlight was the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, where we picked up an ornament of Dorothy's ruby slippers.

Back in Italy in the spring, we settled once again into the slower rhythm of Massa life. Travel paused until our trip to Sardinia, where we found a cork ornament to mark the visit.

Later, we returned to the U.S. to take care of  visa paperwork. During that stretch in San Diego we decided to play tourist, visiting the Scripps Aquarium and SeaWorld. To give David and his family a break, we also planned a series of road trips--to Sequoia, Yosemite and the Redwood National Forest, Death Valley, and finally Inyo National Forest, where we stood among the oldest trees on earth.

Eventually, we made our way back to Italy, happily re-immersed in a culture of pizza, pasta and panettone. We took a short side trip to Milan and now, with Befana upon us, the holiday season has come to a close.

As we say good bye to 2025, we're also counting down the days until we leave--trying not to dwell on the sadness, and instead looking forward to the best each place offers. In San Diego, that means as much Mexican food as possible. In Edmonton, hopefully mom will be up for helping me cook up some of my childhood favorites. And when we visit Ira's uncle and his wife in Guadalajara--well, clearly, more Mexican food.

We are deeply grateful for the friends and family who made this year so rich and memorable. Here's to 2026, with all it's possibilities. We wish you health, happiness and many moments worth remembering.

Ciao, ciao.