My 2021 Christmas season was different for a variety of reasons, some grief-related. Many people felt a sense of loss this Christmas. Covid-weariness has taken a toll on everyone, and I was not alone in wondering what level of celebration I could muster.
This year I spent more energy vacillating than decorating.
- Should I set up and trim the tree? Do I really have the energy?
- My tree is so pretty! But why put it up? Really, why?
- Because I love to look at red, blue, and green twinkly lights and remember the stories behind all my ornaments. Because having festive décor one month a year adds variety to my surroundings, and variety is the spice of life.
- Maybe spices are overrated. Sigh.
I had fun helping two girlfriends decorate their houses, and they both offered to come help me decorate. Very tempting offers. Still, I chose to put out a crèche and a candle and call it a day. I wanted to conserve energy for spending time with people, choosing and wrapping some gifts, mailing at least a few Christmas cards. In retrospect, I think that was wise.
I do miss seeing a colorful, twinkling Christmas tree, a basket of red and silver crystal balls on the coffee table, and red wooden angels and Santas tucked here and there. But I got to see festive bows and wrapping paper in the living room for several weeks, and they provided pops of color—my own original, dorky, low-energy Christmas-bow decorations. A plus—dismantling my Christmas décor will also be easy this year.
Connecting with people in various ways made for a warmly meaningful season. Accepting my energy limits felt odd, but wise. Christmas traditions are awesome! But you know what? Different is fine.
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