I spent most of today putting up my Christmas tree, and I always feel a sense of accomplishment when it’s all done.
Last year I couldn’t bring myself to put up a tree after what I had been through personally and professionally. Suffice it to say everything does really work out for a reason, and I am so thankful that I didn’t wind up with what I thought I wanted.
It was huge for me to not put up a tree last year because Christmas is my favorite time of year. I wasn’t myself and at times I felt like there were certain things I just couldn’t do – such is depression.
Although despite everything I had been through, I still found it within myself to host Christmas for 13 people last year. So while my spirit was beat down a bit, I will always be Mrs. Claus.
This year things are very different. In spite of the pandemic, I rebuilt every aspect of my life and I’m a much wiser version of me.
Pulling out ornaments every year can be emotional for some people and of course nostalgic. I have ornaments from my childhood and from my late mom that make me tear up when I open the box. I also have many ornaments with my late dog Charlie’s name and likeness on them. They serve as special reminders of people I loved, lost and honor.
If you ask someone to tell you about their ornament collection, there is always a story behind them, especially as you accumulate ornaments over the years.
I have ornaments from my family as I mentioned, some from my travels (including a bear collection from Harrods in London), ornaments of things I love such as Star Wars and French bulldogs, and others that capture my quirky personality. I’m not a religious person, but this is such a special time of the year for me especially with having nieces and a nephew now.
I have my dear friends Kari and Julie (the misspelled Starbucks cups lol) to thank for a bunch of these amazing ornaments from my past annual tree trimming parties.
Christmas is such a wonderful holiday in my opinion because it brings together family and friends, there is great food and music, and it’s centered around the spirit of giving.
Pre-pandemic I would be hosting several events during this month, including an ugly holiday sweater party, which I did virtually this year, a cookie decorating contest as well as opening my home to friends and family all throughout December.
Why am I the female version of Clark Griswold? I think it has to do with the fact that ever since my mom died I wanted to create a really special holiday for my family and for myself. I stepped in to the role of the matriarch in that respect who now hosts family gatherings.
I remember the first time I hosted Christmas at my home I didn’t know if I would be able to handle hosting so many people, and it turned out I had nothing to worry about. I love to entertain and bringing people together.
When I was searching for a new home earlier this year, one of my non-negotiables was to have a large entertaining space for family gatherings and a place where a Christmas tree would be spotlighted in a special way. I found a beautiful prewar apartment with many unique details, and it’s perfect to showcase my Christmas decor.
I think decorating your home for the holidays, whatever holiday you celebrate, is really important given that we’re spending so much time at home during the pandemic. Now I just hope my dogs don’t pee on the tree!
In my opinion there’s just nothing better than sitting in a room only illuminated by the special glow of the Christmas tree. I’m not so sad about being home this month. In fact, there’s no place I’d rather be right now.
Happy holidays to everyone and happy Hanukkah to everyone celebrating this week.
I would love to hear about your holiday traditions.