Do you remember the first time you saw a beautifully decorated Christmas tree? Was it a pre-lit Christmas tree with lights made in a factory, or was it a traditional tree with ornaments that each told a different story from the past? It’s that time of year again, and this year, we’re going back to traditional Christmas trees for their warmth and authenticity. Let’s disconnect from the fake and get in touch with the real.
Getting back to the heart of Christmas
Imagine this: it’s Christmas Eve, you’re sipping hot cocoa, and the lights on your Christmas tree are twinkling in the soft light of the evening. You strung each light by hand. Can you hear how quiet it is? Can you feel the room’s cozy feeling of warmth and wonder? This is the magic of a traditional Christmas tree, which shows how beautiful love and simplicity can be.
Do you know what the word ‘gaim’ means? It’s an Old English word that means joy or pleasure, but not everyone uses it. This is exactly what a traditional Christmas tree brings back into our homes : the pure joy of spending time with loved ones decorating the tree and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Making Traditions out of Pine and Silk
Ever heard of the legend of Hsi-Ling-Shi, the Chinese empress who is said to have found silk? The story goes that a cocoon fell into her tea, and as she picked it up, a thread started to come loose. As they say, the rest is history.
In a lot of ways, the way a traditional Christmas tree is decorated is like how that silk thread is slowly pulled apart to show something beautiful, unique, and timeless. As you wrap the silk ribbon around your tree, each loop and bow becomes a reminder of the years that have passed, the times you laughed, cried, and loved each other.
The Healthy Choice: Turning off all the pre-lit lights
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the unknown,” said a scientist once. We’re not going to get into the details of quantum physics here, but the idea still stands. The mystery and excitement of not knowing what’s under a traditional Christmas tree is part of what makes it so appealing. Each ornament you put on a branch is a little bit of a surprise, like the thrill a scientist feels when he or she finds something new.
Do you remember how fun it was to dig through a box of decorations, never knowing what treasure you’d find next? That’s the fun randomness of a traditional Christmas tree that you can’t get with a tree that’s already lit up.
Unplugged and Plugged Back In
Christmas is about being with each other. It’s about taking a break from the busyness of daily life and getting lost in the warmth of the season. So why not apply this to your Christmas tree as well? Let’s turn off the pre-lit craze and enjoy the confusion of the unexpected and the excitement of finding old treasures again.
Putting up a traditional Christmas tree brings a special kind of joy, or should we say “gaim,” that’s best shared with the people you care about. This year, wrap your Christmas in the soft, warm glow of tradition, the silky threads of memory, and the infectious burst of discovery.
Don’t forget that your Christmas tree doesn’t just light up your home; it also lights up your heart. So make it something that shows your love, warmth, and joy. Here’s to a happy, bright, and ‘unplugged’ Christmas!
Because they love tradition
Let’s ask ourselves what we want when the first snowflakes fall or the air gets cold and crisp. It’s the comfort of a warm home and the familiarity of our favorite traditions. A factory-lit Christmas tree might look pretty, but a traditional Christmas tree is where the true spirit of Christmas lies.
A traditional Christmas tree is more than just a place to put gifts and decorations. It gives you a chance to be creative and tell the unique story of your family. And believe me, each of these stories is like a precious thread of silk that adds to the tapestry of who you are as a group.
The Last Decoration
Have you ever heard about the Christmas tree that Albert Einstein had? The famous scientist once spent all of Christmas Eve night trying to figure out what was wrong with a tree light circuit. After several failed attempts, he decided, “God does not play dice with the universe,” but he never gave up on his traditional Christmas tree. It was fun that things didn’t always go as planned, that there were problems to solve, and that every small win was a big deal.
Even though the world keeps moving at a steady pace, take a step back this holiday season. Enjoy the memories that come with unpacking the ornaments, letting the smell of fresh pine fill your home, and listening to the stories told by the rustling branches.
You, my dear reader, are the artist of your Christmas story. Each decoration is a reminder of a year lived, loved, and overcome. From the moment you don’t know where to put the first ornament to the moment you hang the last one, you’re in for a journey as rich as a tapestry made of silk threads.
Putting out the fires of the past
If the word “gaim” can teach us anything, it’s that Christmas isn’t about having the biggest tree, the most lights, or the most expensive gifts. Is about happiness. Love is the theme. It’s about rekindling the fire of tradition that burns in each of our hearts.
So this Christmas, let’s disconnect. Let’s switch out the artificial light of a pre-lit Christmas tree for the warm glow of a real one. Let’s welcome back traditional Christmas trees into our homes and hearts, and in doing so, let’s welcome back the real spirit of Christmas.
You can make Christmas a time to remember, full of love, laughter, and memories that will warm your winters for years to come. This year, I wish you a happy Christmas, a light heart, and a Christmas tree that is as unique and special as you are.
