Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival welcomes 260 guests representing 25 countries and 186 publishers
uae1 hour ago
Every home has a treasure trove and its precious, charming, and vintage items aren't always tucked away in safety deposit boxes. Mostly, they're around us - the string of pearls in an aunt's dresser, the fine bone china set on the shelves of the crockery cabinet, grandpa's typewriter in the study, and the miniature silver candle stands atop mum's nightstand. We grow up admiring the silk rug, the recipe diaries, the classic watch, and even the armchair. Of course, these aren't items that we can bid for at auctions - these are valuables that we inherit and then pass down through generations.
But, as we grow older, we realise that we may not have space for it all. As expats, we're constantly changing jobs, homes, cities, and even countries - many of us live out of a suitcase, willing to pack and move to avail an opportunity. A recent report by the Christian Science Monitor suggests, "As baby boomers begin to downsize, they are discovering that their adult offspring do not want their stuff." Do we really not have space in our homes (and hearts) for the heirloom? Do the valuables, if picked up, lie unattended in the attic or
ultimately land up in a donation pile? Are we (un)grateful for items from our past? We took the questions to our readers.
I attach value to things that aren't always financially valuable. I was raised that way. I will raise my children in the same way - to be humble and appreciative of the emotionally valuable and small things in life."I am big on family, and cherish memories and items from my past; they're part of my heritage. My mother has told me the stories that go with them; so, I grew up loving them. I wish to find room for them in my home and do all I can to pass them through the future generations," says Natasha Hatherall-Shawe, 39, founder and managing director, TishTash Marketing and Public Relations.
Tania Kreindler, wedding planner and presenter
I have a dress that belonged to my grandmother and a few stunning ones from the '70s that my mother gave me. I don't know if I'll ever wear them, but they are stunning pieces and I like knowing that they were worn by those closest to me. I also have letters, Christmas cards and a number of ornaments from my grandparents, which sit on our shelves and make me feel like they're always with me.
Natasha Hatherall-Shawe, entrepreneur
I would be happy to receive all kinds of heirlooms because everything has a memory, a meaning attached to it. Although, if I were to assign a preference, I would give more choice to things like letters, books, and a bridal dress over furniture and china because those items have a profound meaning behind them, a more vibrant history."As an expat, it's not easy to have items from your past with you. Let's face it - a majority of us came here with a two-year plan. We came with a suitcase, filled an apartment initially with affordable furniture, and bought nice accessories to make it feel homely. Only a few of us shipped all our belongings over initially, let alone photo albums, our grandmother's jewellery or a much-treasured armchair. This was the case for me anyway," says Natasha. She adds, "Whilst it's not possible to keep everything you may wish to due to space and other reasons, I feel you should keep select treasured items with you so that your ancestors are with you in some physical way."
Mahabb Parwaiz, intern
I think a mother's saree is one of those priced possessions every girl dreams of owning and wearing in the hopes to look as graceful as their mother did. Speaking on behalf of the entire millennial generation, I do think heirlooms and treasures of the past still have a place"It seems that the younger generation is more concerned with technology and items for the future, but I will definitely talk to my (future) children about the items we have in our home, share with them the stories of the people behind them so that they see their value, love and appreciate them like I do," says Natasha.
of importance.
Kaavya Ranjith, student
Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival welcomes 260 guests representing 25 countries and 186 publishers
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