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Lessons from a Christmas Tree
December 1, 2024
“Your bright green leaves with festive cheer give hope and strength throughout the year. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, we learn from all your beauty."
~ O Christmas Tree (a carol from the German tradition)
One of my favorite memories from childhood is of sitting quietly at night after decorating my family's tree, basking in the soft light, admiring its beauty, and believing absolutely in the enchantment of Christmas. To this day I feel the magic of the holidays. It reminds me of the innate goodness of people, and how lives can be changed for the better through simple acts of good will.
What advice do Christmas trees have for us at this time of year? I'd like to share some insights I've been receiving on this topic....
1) It's okay to be a little tilted
Perfection is overrated. As a recovering perfectionist I aspire to excellence, and my turnaround affirmation is "I'm perfect with my imperfections." In a way, my imperfections (albeit paradoxically) are perfect - because it's perfectly human to have them.
This lesson applies to intangible qualities - like a sense of humor or a way of viewing the world - as much as it does to material or physical ones. It suggests that we honor our quirks and idiosyncrasies.
Keep in mind that everyone is a little tilted. And most people will tolerate an occasional bad mood and forgive an unintentionally inflicted hurt. Some may appreciate a weird sense of humor, and a few might even admire a unique way of looking at the world.
2) Wear your tree-topper proudly
Star or angel – it’s the hat you in put on every morning as you rise and shine, and the nightcap you don’t even know you don at bedtime.
First, stars. Each of us is made of star-stuff, literally. Astronomers have concluded that the carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in our bodies was created in stars over 4.5 billion years ago. It’s natural for us to shine, and we’re instructed to not hide our light under a bushel. So do as the Christmas tree does.
Angels also figure prominently at Christmastime: “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them…And the angel said unto them… behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (the book of Luke in the Bible). A beautiful angel hat to bring me inspirational messages? I will wear it proudly!
3) When things get tough, add tinsel
Tinsel adds a pleasant sheen to a Christmas tree, and fills awkward spaces. I liken it to the wonderful qualities we have, yet tend to overlook: smiling at a stranger, holding open a door for someone, making light of another's faux pas.
These simple gestures go a long way in helping others feel better, as well as ourselves. What’s your tinsel – is it kindness? Courage? A good sense of humor? When you're having a trying day, remember you've got tinsel in your back pocket to make it better.
4) There are gifts at your feet
“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” ~ Roy L. Smith
Just like a Christmas tree, there are gifts at your feet, waiting to be opened and enjoyed. You have much to look forward to in the unfoldment and sharing of your gifts, but first you must find them in your heart, and believe in them.
5) We all fall over sometimes
Especially when cats are involved! Even when we take great care to remain upright. So give yourself a break and don't cry over broken ornaments - after all, they're just ornaments.
We live in a world where every material, physical thing eventually falls. The most graceful animals fall. The tallest trees fall. If you want to perfect something, perfect falling. Learn how to fall without hurting yourself. Learn to fall with grace (that's what I want to do).
6) Your turn will come
The modest evergreen stands unobserved for much of the year. In spring when the sweet fragrance of blossoming trees wafts by. In summer when broad-leaves form a canopy from scorching rays. In fall when its deciduous cousins walk the red carpet. Then, in winter when the forest floor is blanketed in white and bare trees shiver in harsh winds, the evergreen is celebrated like no other.
Draped with lights and garland. Decorated with exquisite and whimsical bangles. Given place of pride in the home. Filled with cherished memories of an entire family’s hopes, dreams and wishes. Looked upon by childlike eyes as the most beautiful and magical being, ever. Believe me, when your turn comes, you will count it worth the wait.
7) Water daily
In my work as an intuitive life coach I talk a lot about self-care - supreme, soulful self-care that goes beyond pampering and way beyond reactionary habits.
Your higher self has your best interests at heart, so simply ask your soul what you need. A regular meditation or spiritual practice is ideal for this, but even informal moments of mindfulness sprinkled throughout the day can be very powerful.
No one said it better than Linus Van Pelt to Charlie Brown in the animated feature A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles Schultz: “I never thought it was such a bad little tree… It's not bad at all, really… Maybe it just needs a little love.”