During the most wonderful time of the year, sentimentality reigns.

When asked to send in your favorite holiday keepsakes — and the stories behind them — readers didn't disappoint.

Tales ranged from tender to tear-inducing, with some comic relief sprinkled in for good measure (case in point: the toast ornament). It was hard to choose just a few. Here are our favorites. (Each photo caption contains the story behind the ornament.)