Why do I, or should I say we do it? Especially given there are a few sound reasons not to. Number one, it’s time consuming. Second, it’s dangerous, and number three, it’s short lived. If I had to guess, I’d say it takes a total of fifteen hours to complete the task and another five to undo what has been done. At our age, the danger involves something that can only be detrimental to our health and well-being. It’s called falling. Falling from the attic, off a ladder, or over boxes strewn throughout the garage. And the length of time to enjoy it is just a few weeks or maybe a little longer depending on how successful I am in coaxing or bribing Robert to help me. For example, if I start sweet talking him on Thanksgiving Day by volunteering to rinse every utensil, plate, and glass and place them into the dishwasher, then to hand wash every pot, pan, and chopping block and return them to their rightful place, then to find and fill Tupperware containers for every bit of food left over from our meal and put them in the fridge…and once done, I ask for his assistance, and he responds with, “Sure, I’ll help you tomorrow,” then I’m guaranteed at least 33 days of unbridled seasonal joy! Hallelujah!
From my journal, December 11, 2019, Newbury Park, California
“Wow – spent 3 hours just putting up lights yesterday…Still need to put the bulbs on our little tree…it’s like a Charlie Brown tree…so sweet!”
I’m far from the only person this time of year feeling compelled to deck the halls with boughs of holly. It’s estimated that 86% of folks worldwide decorate for the winter holidays. You may be one of them, too. Knowing all that is involved, why do we do it?
Tradition usually plays a part. Thinking back to my own childhood, I recall my mom and dad taking down boxes from our attic and bringing them up from our cellar. Contained in those musty cardboard cartons were Christmas bulbs, baubles, and balls to hang on our tree and in every conceivable corner and cranny of our house. Some were store bought trinkets, but most were handmade treasures that my parents could no longer identify what it was, or which one of us created it. But they kept them just the same, as good parents do. When I left home, I carried on the custom of embellishing dorm rooms, apartments, and homes with holiday trimmings. Sentimental, memory evoking, and nostalgic, it always makes me feel connected to my family and friends in the past and in the present. And while I always decorated for Christmas, that changed when I met Robert. The menorah lighting ceremonies at my late in-laws’ house inspired me to do the same. Among the menorahs I put on display is the one Robert had as a child, and another is one we bought in Israel while visiting family there. They hold such special memories for us! And for those of you with children and grandchildren…how wonderful it is to share family customs handed down through the generations, in addition to creating your own!
Entertaining may also lead us to beautifying our houses this time of year. This season brings people together and when we make our spaces festive it welcomes our loved ones in and makes them want to stay. Adorning our homes can also be community building. Who doesn’t like walking around their neighborhood admiring twinkling lights, ornaments, and spangles on display? Seeing what and how others decorate helps us know them better. One of our former neighbors had a collection of over 100 Christmas vintage village houses she put on view throughout her home. What a pretty sight! And a couple who live on a nearby corner drape their house and palm trees in multi-colored blinking lights. People come from all around to see it every year. So flashy we’ve named their light show “Vegas Baby”!
Decorating can add to the anticipation and excitement of festivities to come, as well. Sprucing up your place can breathe new energy into both your space and life. And this kind of change can be good for letting some things go and welcoming new things in.
From my journal: December 24, 2019, Newbury Park, California
“Bought a stocking for Ray and Meghan…hung it on the mantel with ours…so excited that they’ll be here tomorrow to spend Christmas with us!”
Is it worth all the time it takes to locate, take out, sort through, and (carefully!) put up holiday decorations, only to have to take them down, box them up, and stow them away in a month? When all this effort creates an enjoyable backdrop for an immeasurable amount of good conversations, laughter, and shared memories, I’d say yes! That is why I do it, why we do it. That is why each year we deck our halls with boughs of holly. Fa la la la la la la la la!
A Journal Journey 