Decorating a Christmas tree for the holidays is a tradition that dates back to the 18th century. Hanging garlands, lights, and ornaments of all colors and kinds, and then topping it off with a star. Even though it’s such an old tradition, it will never go out of style. The Christmas tree tradition is deeply rooted here, in our freezing winters. Some opt for a real tree, whose scent is steeped in memories, while others prefer the artificial version, which requires less maintenance. But in most homes, as the holidays approach, people decorate a Christmas tree. Personally, I grew up in a blended family; we combined traditions from both sides, and my stepfather brought us the tree.
I remember we’d put on a Christmas movie and decorate. We’d drink our hot chocolate, dressed in our little pajamas, while my stepfather sipped his coffee. He was always the one who set up the tree, unfurling the branches and stringing the lights. Then he’d sit down with his cup in hand, and we’d get to work with all the ornaments—the little Nutcrackers, Santas, and so on. And our childish eyes would sparkle with wonder at this tradition of the tree, the movie, and the pajamas.
This year, it was my turn to have a child for the holidays; it was my turn to teach her the magic of Christmas; it was up to me to create a tradition. My boyfriend thinks our tree is kind of so-so… But at least we have one! So, I had my little cup of hot chocolate, my daughter was in her playpen, and I took over—I stepped into my stepfather’s shoes. It takes forever to untangle the branches!! Then, with my boyfriend, we put up ornaments, snowflakes, and ribbons. The tree looks a little bare!
Still, we’ve learned our lesson, and next year it’ll be more fully decorated! Plus, our daughter will be old enough to have her own little hot chocolate, decorate with us, and have those little stars in her eyes. Because it always warms the heart to see their little hearts race and get all excited. That’s why I want to create beautiful traditions with her, so that one day, just like me, she’ll think back on what her parents did with her, for her, and see that same sparkle in the depths of her blue eyes.