invested

You’ve got to be. In the holidays that is. This year, more than ever it seems, I am clinging tightly to all that the holidays have to offer. Last week at church, our priest gave a homily about what it is you would do differently if you knew that this was your last Thanksgiving...your last Christmas. And it started me thinking. It’s not about the gifts. It’s not about the sacrifices I make to fly home for the holidays. And it’s definitely not about the money. For me, it’s all about family, friends, and...well, decorations. I have to admit- decor is one of my favorite parts of this time in the year. Soft twinkle lights, beautiful glittered ornaments, warm fires and soothing music. And when the décor and the family come together, I am completely happy.

Here are a few things I’ve been working on:

1. The magic tree. I came across this picture in a Pottery Barn catalog and decided I had to have one of my own! My magic tree is filled with glittered butterfly pins, and gold and silver birds. Mine is a mini tree this year to start. I absolutely love it, and hope to start a tradition of having not only the main Christmas tree in our house every year, but a separate “magic tree.” I guess it brings out the kid in me. Maybe, by magic, Santa can deliver one present under the magic tree extra early- one week before Christmas.


2. Name cards. I am going home in two days for Thanksgiving in Anchorage and wanted to take something to add to our dinner table for the big meal. Name place cards are one of the things that I love in all holiday catalogs! They make the table so personalized and also add a bit of color. I know. Me? Color?


3. History. I want to start emphasizing the importance of history during the season. Jonathan collects Christmas ornaments, and has about 30 unique ones he’s picked up from his travels around the world. Since becoming a couple, we have continued this tradition. We brought home the cutest ornament in the shape of an elephant bell from Thailand, and a blue and white shoe from the Dutch colony of Curacao when we were in the Carribean. I also dug up some old-time artifacts. Hanging on Jonathan’s stocking is a mold of his hand when he was 3 years old. So cute. So small. And I think it makes for another historical touch to our Christmas.

If my magic tree, place cards, and touches of history are all that I unwrap this year- I will be happy. And if family and friends are all that I have around me this Christmas- I will most definitely be happy. Even if it’s my last!