Holiday decorations have long been a cherished tradition in my family. Growing up, our home was always filled with festive decor, thoughtfully arranged by my mother. She maintained consistent traditions, decorating the house with trees and ornaments in ways that felt familiar and comforting year after year. Her dedication to holiday decorating stemmed from her own childhood experience—a story she shared with us many times.
In her family home, Christmas trees weren’t purchased until Christmas Eve. My grandfather would wait until then because trees were half-price, making it possible for their family, with limited resources, to afford one. This tradition meant waking up on Christmas morning to a freshly decorated tree and a few presents—a simple yet meaningful celebration. Early in my marriage, my family continued this tradition, waiting until Christmas Eve to decorate. It became a nod to the past and a way to honor the resilience and creativity of previous generations.
However, as the years passed, my approach to holiday decorating evolved. Now, I let the seasons and my own energy guide how and when I decorate. One year, I decided to take a different approach at our office. Instead of concentrating the decorations in the lobby, I placed ornaments throughout the entire office space. It was a small change, but one that brought unexpected joy. Months later, stumbling upon a forgotten ornament in April or July would make me smile—a little reminder of the warmth and magic of the season lingering beyond its usual bounds.
Holiday traditions can be both comforting and overwhelming. The effort to maintain every tradition perfectly can sometimes feel like a burden rather than a joy. It’s important to give ourselves grace and allow traditions to evolve as our lives and needs change.
My uncle, Jim Stowe, captured this sentiment beautifully in a poem he wrote years ago, reflecting on how material items have become deeply entwined with holiday traditions. His words serve as a gentle reminder to reflect on what truly matters during the holidays—the joy, connection, and love we share with others.
