Why I’m Not Putting a Christmas Tree up
It is probably never heard of, but this year I am not putting a Christmas tree up. Shocking I know! In fact, when I tell people I am not doing it this year, they are taken back and shoot me a snarly look like I’m anti-Christmas. On the contrary. it is quite the opposite- I’m all about Christmas with the exception that this year I want less stress and more focus on Jesus.
Before anyone gives me the entire spiritual breakdown of what the tree resembles, I understand all of that and agree with it. My decision to not put a tree up does not mean that I think trimming the tree is wrong, it is just wrong for me this year.
The few weeks leading up to Christmas can be so stressful for me. Instead of “Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, the hustle and bustle and the stress of feeling like I have to do everything quickly can turn into “Most Stressful Time of the Year.”
This past year has brought some health scares to both my husband and myself where we have had to really implement ways to reduce stress in our life. While putting up a tree may not seem like it would reduce stress in our life, it may not, but I do believe it will reduce stress in my Christmas.
The angel said to them, “ Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10)
Instead of making a beautifully trimmed tree the center of our home and the center of where my family focuses for gifts, I have placed my beautiful nativity set where our tree would have been. It serves as a reminder to me the simplicity of the first Christmas, where the best Gift was placed under a manger for all to see.
The reason we are doing less this Christmas is so we can get the most out of Christmas. How about you – what is something you could do less of at the holidays to enjoy more of it?
BLESSINGS. Laurie
*photo & content: @copyright2019 laurieadams
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Wonderful Christmas message, Laurie. I have to be honest, we haven’t put up a Christmas tree for the past 15 years. For one thing, we don’t have the room for it. I agree, focusing on the Reason for Christmas is the most important thing.
I fully support your Christmas-tree-less Christmas. The manger scene is a more appropriate focal point for Christmas.