Life Lessons from my Christmas Tree

January 6… Epiphany if you’re of the Christian faith. In short, the REAL 12 days of Christmas complete. Given I started putting up decorations well before Thanksgiving, some might say I love this holiday. And, I do. Undeniable.

While many loathe taking down the Christmas tree, I don’t mind. Just as I do when putting it up, I love the process. Tree in stand, lights on, ornaments carefully unwrapped and placed—while kids argue which one is theirs, me demanding special placement for certain ornaments, and always—ALWAYS—the associated stories. We aren’t a “red and green balls only” family. Our Christmas tree is not meant for a magazine cover and it isn’t just an annual tradition. It is a walk down memory lane. It represents the people, places, moments, and magic that compose our lives.

As a new year begins and the last of my major holiday decorations come down, it occurred to me that there are many life lessons to be learned from my Christmas tree. And, as the mildly eccentric, never-without-something-to-say, document-everything mother that I am, I thought I’d make a list of the most pertinent lessons for my three daughters… and for all of you (should you care to read, which if you are doing so here—THANK YOU!).

Life Lessons

1. Even if you lean, stand tall.
2. It’s hard to look good from all angles at all times, so just show your best side.
3. Glow from within… and don’t get your tinsel in a tangle.
4. Cheer for something/someone.
5. Volunteer.
6. Never loose the childlike spirit inside you, no matter how old you are.
7. It’s a small world after all.
8. Keep things spicy.
9. Let it go.
10. Choose JOY.
11. We can do hard things.
12. Just DANCE.
13. There’s no place like home.
14. Believe in magic.
15. “If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.” (Thanks, Dolly!)
16. Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.
17. Never forget… You’re kind of a big deal!
18. Handmade with love is always better than anything store bought.
19. There are angels among us.
20. Embrace adventure, travel, and explore… both far away and close to home.

DISCLAIMER: I started writing this blog early in the day, well before the shocking, horrifying, and sadly historic events were underway in America. While I will proceed with publishing this blog tonight, I will not promote it via social media until later. I would never want for it to come off as tone deaf or insensitive. Christmas has always represented love and hope… family and friends… light and possibility. I cannot imagine an evening of late whereby I need those things more than right now.