In 2011, we started a tree hunt tradition. We had wild, crazy trees in our living room that reminded me to embrace adventure – especially during the hectic Christmas season. (The perfectly imperfect one from 2013 may have been my favorite tree. You can read about the adventures from 2011, 2012, 2014 & 2015 too.)
I love the colored lights and mismatched ornaments that document our travels and our children’s growth. I love putting gifts with whatever wrapping paper I happen to have under the branches, creating anticipation and joy.
When we moved to the country in June, I immediately saw an evergreen near our pond that I mentally marked as our next Christmas tree.
In November, when I thought about dragging in a large, unshapen tree into our house, where a toddler who is into everything lives, I got stressed out by the thought alone. A few days later, I saw {real} 3-foot table top trees at the grocery store.
And I remembered it’s okay to let go of a tradition.
This wasn’t the year for the tree hunt that would end with a colorful, sparkly temptation for my 14-month-old girl.
This was the year for the small, still lovely tree from the grocery store.
That means we didn’t unpack all our ornaments. We don’t have a mantel here, so our stockings are hung from the bookshelf with care. I didn’t change a wreath (or, um, add a wreath, because, well, there is no wreath of any kind on my front door) or add other holiday decorations.
This was the year for simplicity.
This was the year for a table-top tree on the seat in the bay window of our kitchen.
Maybe it’s not about the tree or decorations for you this year. But maybe all the advent resources don’t help you prepare your heart for Him because they’re all overwhelming. Maybe you need to let go of plans or the amount of money you spend on gifts or how many white elephant exchanges in which you participate.
Even the best traditions can distract us
from truly preparing Him room.
The best part of me letting go of our tree tradition is the big kids still love the small one.
I strung the lights – one strand was all it required – around the tree. Ben and Cate hung ornaments – mostly in the front middle because Rachel’s curious toddler hands can still reach the bottom branches and they wanted to see the ornaments, not wasting one that wouldn’t be in view.
And then they let Rachel place the angel on the top.
They had bantered about who would get the honor, and then agreed to let their baby sister they obviously adore. Sure, it started with a disagreement, but it ended with a memory I will cherish.
I would generally prefer a tree-top star, but that crocheted angel belonged to my Nanny, who passed away 15 years ago. She died a few months before Greg proposed. She would have loved my family dearly. And they would have loved her.
So letting the baby of this family set that angel on top of our small, sweet tree was perfect this year. Maybe next year we’ll resume the tree hunt for a wild tree that encroaches upon our living room. But maybe there are other traditions to be born.
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Yes! Traditions are lovely, but they are not the boss of us!
Our family is on the other end of things — trying to decide which of the old faithful traditions still bring joy to the hearts of teens. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of the old way of doing things because there is so much memory there, but we’re making new traditions that incorporate grown sons and daughters-in-love and a WONDERFUL grandson. He’s coming on Friday to make cookies with me — something his busy teen uncles are too busy for right now!
Sounds like you’re making wonderful memories regardless of the season! Thanks for sharing a piece of your story here, Michele!
Kristin, this is precious in every sense of the word. Thank you for reminding me that in letting go, we also make room for what is yet to come. Blessings to you and yours! xo
Thank you, Joanne. I love your comment so much – thinking about making room for what is yet to come is good for my soul.
I love this! We started a new tradition this year of getting a REAL Christmas tree and I love it! There are fewer ornaments on it and it’s smaller than our artificial one, but it makes me so happy.
I also love what you said about getting overwhelmed with all the Advent stuff. I’m pretty sure the point of Advent is not for us to feel massive amounts of guilt when we miss our reading multiple days in a row.
Those real Christmas trees are among my very favorite memories so far. I’m glad you’re enjoying yours. I’ve loved your Christmas pictures lately. And, yes, Jesus doesn’t want us to feel guilty! Rest easy, my friend! xoxo
Yes, yes and amen. It’s so important as mama’s setting the tone in our homes to know when to make traditions and when to relax them. Good for you, Kristin, for focusing on the most important. This will probably be one of the sweetest memories for you in years to come.
Thanks, Lisa! I really appreciate you encouragement. Hope you’re doing well.
Yes! We haven’t done ornaments in several years because of two very curious boys. This year we did handmade foam ornaments because if they get destroyed I DON’T CARE. We have two traditions that we hold on to: staying home on Christmas day and reading the story of His birth before any presents get unwrapped. I’m okay with anything else that does or doesn’t happen.
Foam ornaments sound fun, though! Yes, we read the Christmas story and spend Christmas morning at home too, although this year we’ll go to church too so we may do some family stuff on Christmas Eve. Again, there I go, messing with traditions! 🙂 Thanks for being here, Katie!
I love what Joanne Viola said above.
Me too. 🙂
What a great point that is a great reminder. We don’t have to keep a rigid grip on traditions every year. I love the way you adjusted your tradition to be a blessing to your family. When our youngest was 2, she pulled the Christmas tree over twice (I’m a slow learner). Fortunately she wasn’t hurt, but it certainly scared her. Now that girl is coming home for Christmas. Time flies!
Your comment is such a true testimony about how seasons pass quickly, which goes along with how traditions can be paused or change along with who and what is happening in life! So glad for that encouragement today, Ginger!
Kristin, I loved reading this. It’s true that sometimes we need to let some traditions go and make new ones that fit our family better.
Thanks for sharing your heart and blessings to you!
Sometimes I’m stubborn when it comes to change, but God is always faithful to provide in all ways. Thanks for being here, Gayl!
You already know I love this, and I’m all in for a simple Christmas. We had a tree hunt tradition from the time my son was little – pick a tree at Home Depot and then dinner at In N Out (its a SoCal thing). Then we came home, trimmed, clipped, drug pine needles and tree stands and I strung lights for hours typically ending up in a puddle of tears because of tangles and black holes. A few years ago we went artificial and pre-lit and it’s beautiful, and I don’t have to be ugly over a tree. I’ve been going simpler ever since and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Love you friend – and your heart makes me happy!
Your post this week resonated so deeply with me. Thanks for encouraging me on this journey. And I’m sure your tree, regardless of whether it’s real or artifical, is beautiful because it’s yours. xoxo