A Christmas Tree That Tells Our Story

This year, I wanted our Christmas tree to be more than just festive—it had to tell our story. Every ornament hanging from its branches represents something we love as a family, something that made this year uniquely ours.

In addition to the usual glass baubles and glittery ribbons, I chose to decorate with pieces that hold meaning. My kids love collecting toy cars, so tiny cars are nestled among the branches, their metallic paint catching the twinkle of Christmas lights. It makes me smile every time I spot one, each a reminder of their shared laughter as they race cars across our living room floor. Christmas is for children and I believe Christmas trees should reflect the things that bring out the inner child in us.

There are also small amigurumi pieces—crocheted food, a little backpack, and soft animals, made by local artisans. These reflect my love for handmade creations and also our family’s love for food, travel, and animals. I bought these from a local artisan as part of the accessories of my mini me, an amirugumi doll that has been with me for more than 5 years now and has been to around the country with us. You’ll find my doll in the blog below:

Our Manila Tour Leg 1 – National Museum and Intramuros

If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you already know how much I adore watercolors and fountain pens. So yes, I also hung a few of my favorite things: a tiny watercolor palette, a mini sketchbook, and some glittery Jinhao demonstrator pens with heartbeat nibs—chosen to match the colors and sparkle of the season. They make the tree shimmer with creativity, a reminder that art always finds its way into our lives.

Beyond its decorations, this tree stands for what this year has meant to us—new beginnings. I started a new job, we adjusted to new routines, and I gained deeper realizations about physical and mental health, and about how vital it is to stay connected with family. I made my ukulele as part of the decoration so that I will see it right away, pick it up and practice my pieces. Although I haven’t talked about it yet in this blog, I decided to pick my ukulele and take lessons again a few months ago. Playing the small guitar helps me relax and it does complement my love for singing – another thing that I do enjoy doing, you’ll find videos of me singing on a stage in my “About Me” section of this website.

Our Christmas tree may not be a real pine, but it’s a new one that closely resembles one, adorned with beautiful ornaments and glimmering lights that reflect our hopes and aspirations. I plan to keep using it for years to come, as a symbol of this turning point in our lives—a year of growth, gratitude, and rediscovery filled with cherished memories and new traditions. Also, plastic trees aren’t really environment-friendly I plan to re-use it and the decors for years (possibly even decades) to come.

Coming from a humble beginning where Christmas trees are deemed luxury, setting up this one is indeed a milestone that brings a sense of warmth and joy to our home. When we were kids, we made Christmas trees out of fallen branches of trees, gathering those materials with excitement and creativity. It wasn’t much, but I remember my young siblings and I enjoyed decorating them with whatever we could find, making it a delightful experience that brought us closer together. I also vividly remember envying a neighbor in the community who had the largest tree and the prettiest decors, with vibrant colors and twinkling lights that captivated everyone’s attention. I remember dreaming that someday I would have the same kind of tree at home—one that symbolizes not just the celebration of Christmas, but also the love and unity of family, and the joy of creating lasting memories during this magical season.

Each December, as we unpack these meaningful ornaments, I hope we’ll remember not just the season’s beauty but also the story it tells: that home is built from love, creativity, and togetherness.

Finally, if you’re wondering why I have the Christmas up so early, that’s just how it is for most of us in the Philippines! *winks*

xoxo,

Grass