I was shocked when I walked into my mother-in-law’s house and saw a massive, intricately decorated Christmas tree. At first, I thought it was just a holiday indulgence, but when I asked her about it, she shared that “it reminds me of my childhood, decorating the tree with my mom before she passed away.” Suddenly, I understood: the tree was much more than a decoration.
Initially, I questioned whether a 70-year-old should spend so much time and money on a tree when there are family priorities. But as I reflected, I realized the tree wasn’t about reliving the past—it was a way for her to honor her late mother and preserve a cherished tradition. The holidays bring out deep feelings of nostalgia, and for her, this tree symbolizes love, memory, and resilience.
