Christmas Trees & Collard Greens
The twenty-fourth one
In a small little home, snug and just fine,
With the smell of fresh greens and a tree made of pine
Lived a mom, not a wizard, not a fairy, it’s true, but to her kids, she was magic, like dreams coming through.
She had a great gift, oh, a magical one,
Turning plain little moments to laughter and fun.
With traditions so sweet and memories to treasure, she made every day feel like Christmas forever!
Growing up, my mom was very good at two things: honoring tradition and leaving room for remembrance. And nowhere did these gifts shine brighter than during the Christmas season.
On Tradition: It always began with the tree.
When it came to Christmas, choosing the tree was non-negotiable for my mom—it had to be real, even in our tiny apartment. And they were always enormous—or at least they seemed that way to me as a child, their branches reaching impossibly high toward the ceiling. She gave us free rein when it came to decorating, as long as we never used tinsel. That was her one hard rule. To my mom, tinsel was what glitter is to me: something that should be banned and discontinued from life entirely. She thought it was tacky, and honestly, I kind of agree. Though, I’ll admit, I’ve seen some people pull it off beautifully on Pinterest. Still, it’s not something I ever plan to introduce to my own family’s Christmas tree—it feels like a tradition better left in the past.
In addition to the tree, we’d make our annual trip to our favorite Christmas store, Stats—a department store that was entirely a holiday wonderland. Aisles of glittering ornaments, glowing lights, and toy trains puffing along their tracks made it feel like stepping into a Christmas dream. We’d wander through, marveling at the magic, our imaginations running wild with the season’s spirit. Though the store no longer exists, it lives on in my memory as a place of pure joy and wonder—a cornerstone of our holiday traditions that made everything feel brighter and more magical.
When I was about 9, my mom started a new tradition that quickly became a favorite—giving us new pajamas to open on Christmas Eve. I still remember the first year we all matched. The pajamas were black and white, covered in snowflakes, and we were beyond thrilled to unwrap them, even though we already knew what was inside.
The excitement of tearing into the wrapping paper, the laughter as we raced to put them on, and the way we suddenly looked like a picture-perfect Christmas card family made the moment feel magical. It wasn’t just about the pajamas; it was about the joy of being together, creating a memory that felt as warm as the season itself.
In Remembrance: The things that hold us together.
In the days before screens took over, we’d all gather around the radio to listen to Christmas stories. Back then, attention felt deeper, and moments carried a kind of magic that lingered. One story, in particular, has stayed with me for more than 20 years. It was about a train conductor faced with an impossible choice: save his young son, who had wandered onto the tracks, or save the thousand passengers on the train. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but I felt its weight—the themes of love, sacrifice, and the burden of choices. Even now, as the Christmas season approaches, that story comes to mind, reminding me of the profound impact a simple tale can have on a heart. (👀 Sneak Peek: I’ll be writing more about this story for the 4th week of Advent that will be published in my Pouring Coffee in the Dark section.)
Then there were the moments of pure awe, like the time my mom took us to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas at a fancy theater in Pasadena. I’ll never forget the exact moment the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes—the entire theater shook as if the story itself had come alive. My mom leaned over and whispered, “That’s what it feels like when God dwells within you.” I didn’t fully understand her words at the time, but something shifted in me that day. It was a feeling of awe and warmth, a spark of something bigger than myself, and it stayed with me long after the credits.
Earlier this year, I decided that the legacy I want to leave for my daughter is a legacy of remembrance. I want her childhood to be filled with moments so vivid and meaningful that one day, she’ll find herself awake at 3 a.m., writing stories about the traditions we created together.
To those who recognize the Advent season: 💜
Each week of Advent invites us to reflect on themes like hope, peace, joy, and love, preparing our hearts and minds for the celebration of Christmas.
This month, I’m delving into Advent through my new Substack section, Pouring Coffee in the Dark. So far, I’ve shared reflections on Hope (Week 1) and Peace (Week 2), and I’m excited to continue exploring Joy (Week 3) and Love (Week 4) in the weeks ahead.
Read along below and share your thoughts! I’d love to hear how you’re celebrating the Christmas season and learn more about your family traditions.
Here are a few fun Christmas movie recs from me to you:
If you know me, you know I have a special love for Charlie Brown. Why? Because my mom made us watch it as kids, and it’s a core memory of my childhood, filled with so much joy and love. To this day, Charlie Brown holds a special place in my heart.
I’ve tried to pass the love on to my daughter, but Gabby’s Dollhouse has her in a chokehold, and there’s no breaking free from that right now.
Anyway, if you’re a Charlie Brown fan (or want to become one), Apple TV has all the classics! From:
A Charlie Brown Christmas (the iconic 1965 classic that’s been on repeat in my house since July thanks to its timeless soundtrack)
A newer gem like Snoopy Presents: Auld Lang Syne.
I especially loved Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin, which came out earlier this year—it’s such a heartfelt story.
The other day, I watched That Christmas on Netflix. It had been since Klaus in 2019 that I’d seen a Christmas movie that really stood out, so I wasn’t expecting much from this one. But let me tell you, this story is beautiful! I found myself crying—actually crying, not just tearing up—during a few scenes. I watched it alone first, then immediately encouraged forced my husband to watch it with me! I can’t recommend this movie enough. Go watch it right now!
🎄🎄