03 Dec The Many Christmas Seasons of Life

By Jennifer Davis Dodd

I’ve been thinking a lot about the seasons of life and was amused to realize the Christmas seasons in life can be as distinct as what we may think of as the abundant, verdant or fallow seasons of our journey.

For example, last year in my house was a very maximalist Christmas season—because the social isolation necessitated by the global pandemic made the whole 2020 season of my life feel stark and constrained. I was happy to protect myself and others by following guidelines, forgoing our regular travels and maintaining our bubble of two. But come November, I needed color, pizzazz, excitement, sparkle—all the shiny, happy words we associate with seasonal decorations. (“We Need a Little Christmas” was definitely my 2020 holiday anthem!) So, the tree was up and bedecked before Thanksgiving—along with all of my other existing decorations.

And last year, Hubby and I—singly and collectively—picked up one or more new decorations each time we ventured out (cautiously!). The 2020 additions to our holiday décor ranged from tabletop trees that light up to blow-up ornaments meant for outdoor display! So last year’s decorative approach was layered—many-layered! And all contained in our 1,000-square-foot condo! It was certainly a feast for the eyes—and nurturing to my soul.

In addition to being a pandemic Christmas, last year marked the 10^th anniversary of my parents’ passing—Mom just after Thanksgiving and Dad just after Christmas. They always loved the holiday season and decorations, and so the warm, twinkling lights and shiny baubles have always helped soothe my grief.

And now here we are in 2021. We’re well past Thanksgiving, and I have a few small decorations out—and still plan to put up our tree. But I’m not planning to “haul out the holly.” Instead, I think this year will be a more minimalist Christmas season. (And my 2021 Christmas anthem seems to be “Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth.”)

I just don’t have the burning need for all of the holiday eye candy this year. And, truth be told, I also lack the energy. I think some of last year’s decorating flurry was simply a way to stay busy rather than feeling some of my grief. This year, I want some of those warm, twinkling lights and the most meaningful of my decorations, but I also feel a need for a little extra breathing room and serenity.

One tradition that I’m definitely continuing in this minimalist season is wearing one of my mother’s vintage Christmas pins each day of the season. I started it the year she passed, 2010. This is year 11.

While I might not need all of the seasonal bric-a-brac in 2021, I don’t think I’ll ever get over needing to take steps to feel closer to my folks during the holidays. And so, Mama’s pins will always be a part of my Christmas season—whether it’s maximalist or minimalist in its trappings.

For more HERStory information, join our private Facebook group and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.  Never miss a new HERStory, subscribe to the monthly newsletter.

We want to hear your story. Your story is my story. Help us empower other women by sharing your story.