There are few things I love as much as my yearly Christmas tree. Always a live tree. Always 8’ or taller. Always color lights. I could go into the why, but let’s go with I have my reasons.

The memories that decorate my tree sustain me all year long. I have ornaments from old friends, parents, children, siblings, my childhood. Every year as I unwrap each ornament I spend a few moments thinking of the person or persons involved with that ornament.

Sometimes, not every ornament makes the tree. But for the most part, there is a spot for every ornament.

My mother loved Christmas. She had beautiful trees. Mamma gave us ornaments every year. She encouraged the making and giving of ornaments between my friends and myself from the time I could hold a bottle of glue. My mother also created a crismon tree at our church. Our children and youth designed all kinds of ornaments based on Christian symbols. I was so proud of that tree.

My father also loved Christmas, more than most people. He loved playing Santa. He encouraged and perpetuated our Santa story long after other children lost their faith in the jolly guy in a red suit. I have many memories of old Santa’s tricks that were more real to me then than today’s Norad online tracking system is today.

Even after my parents’ divorce and the subsequent decade long winter storm in my heart, the Christmas tree was my tender spot. I could think of happy times and remember special moments that may or may not have included them.

I have two very distinct memories of Christmas tree crazy with my friends! Once, at a party at my house, we all piled into someone’s car and went joy riding through the neighborhood. We parked and jumped a neighbor’s fence, circled their lighted outdoor tree and recreated our own Charlie Brown’s Christmas “Hark the Herald…” moment.

Another time, my sister, my oldest friend, and I were running around my friend’s neighborhood. Gasping for air we ducked under this enormous tree in the neighborhood all decked with outdoor lights. We could practically stand up under it. We enjoyed what felt like an illicit moment away from the required “Christmas visit” of our parents. It was cold and I don’t remember what we were doing there at all, but I remember it happening!

I love to turn off the lights and just sit and look at the tree. It brings me peace and happy thoughts and a smile. I don’t care about what is or isn’t under the tree. I care about what’s on the tree. Every grade school ornament. Every church school ornament. Every family picture-turned-ornament. Every ornament gift exchange. Every homeade dough ornament. Every pipe cleaner, cross-stitch, bead, glitter, and popsicle stick.

If you are having a low moment this season, I encourage you to take a minute and sit by a tree. Look at the lights. Smell it (if it’s real). Think about the time and dedication someone took to make those ornaments. Even if it is a commercial tree, someone had to design and decorate it. I hope you can find a sweet memory to sustain you through all the feels of the holidays.

Love Y’all, Marla