A Glass Christmas Tree's Journey: From Pandemic Loneliness to Holiday Spirit
The picture above paints a perfect snapshot of our Christmas decorations over the past few years. Let me tell you, it's been quite a journey.
Back in the fall of 2020, right in the early days of the pandemic, my husband landed an incredible job opportunity with a company in Central NY. We were comfortably settled in East TN, a place that had been my home throughout my entire adulthood and his entire life. Our family is a blended one, each of us bringing a child from previous marriages. At the time, these kids were about to hit twenty, and while one had already flown the nest, the other convinced a friend to be a roommate in his brother's old bedroom. Our home still felt wonderfully full.
The job offer catapulted us into a whirlwind of activity, and our to-do lists seemed to grow exponentially. After a blur of tasks, we found ourselves driving up to NY in just three weeks.
We handed our house keys over to our real estate broker, who also happened to be my boss from my four-year stint as a realtor. She worked her magic to sell our home while we were states away. Amidst this chaos, I juggled contracts for my own clients, delegating tasks that required a physical presence and wrapping up the rest from afar.
Upon arriving in a charming town in NY, part of the job offer included a relocation package that landed us in an 800 sq ft 2BR/1BA apartment. I can't express how thankful we were for this haven—a place to exhale, regroup, and start the search for a new home.
Our options were slim, they boiled down to a striking Victorian on Main Street or a cozy chalet just outside of town. Despite the Victorian's undeniable aesthetic appeal, we opted for the chalet. Built in 2007, it promised modern amenities, whereas the Victorian hadn't seen updates in over two decades. Everything from the roof to the HVAC system was on borrowed time.
The pace of the home-buying process in NY caught me off guard. A 90-day closing period was considered quick, a far cry from the 21 to 30 days I was used to in TN. Consequently, we didn't move into our new home until mid-January.
So, there we were, celebrating Christmas in our snug little apartment, making the best of it amidst lockdowns, a new environment, and the challenge of house transactionfrom a distance and under lock down protocol. Decorating for Christmas wasn't at the forefront of my mind. But when the idea struck, I did the most relatable thing—I ordered a glass Christmas tree from our grocery store via Instacart!
This little glass tree became our main decoration, adorned with a few poinsettias in 2021. Then came last year, closing day on our West Virginia home falling on December 22nd. The first thing I did was dig out my Christmas decorations and dust off that precious glass tree.
And here we are again, another incredible job offer and another multi-state whirlwind move! At least this time, we had a bit more experience under our belts.
So now, there stands a beautiful new pre-lit Christmas tree, a new companion to my trusty glass tree, and once again, I find myself counting my blessings for the little things. The memories flood in – the laughter, the joy, and even the quiet moments tinged with a bit of pandemic-induced loneliness and homesickness.
Back when I first brought that glass tree home, it felt like a feeble attempt to recreate the Christmases of yesteryear, a reminder of the distance we felt from everyone we knew due to the pandemic. There was a touch of heartache and a longing for the familiar. Yet, as the years passed, that little glass tree transformed into so much more. It became a keeper of stories, a symbol of resilience, and a beacon of hope during challenging times.
Now, when I carefully dust it off each year and place it in a prominent spot, it's not just a piece of glass—it's a cherished reminder of the strength that carried us through those uncertain days. It's a testament to the beauty that emerges from even the simplest gestures. So, here's to my humble glass tree, standing tall amidst the twinkling lights, telling a tale of resilience, love, and the enduring spirit of the holidays.
What is your favorite Christmas decoration…that one that pulls on the heartstrings?
What a lovely reminder of the preciousness of life! My husband died right before the pandemic hit and somehow Christmas lost it's glow for me and my daughter. We stopped celebrating the holidays at all. Now three years later I am feeling into a small Christmas vibe but not fully there yet, if ever.
That’s beautiful! Such a whirlwind! It’s funny how such a simple thing like a glass Christmas tree can hold not just so many memories but also a sense of grounding, clarity, and joy. My favorite ornament is a fabric horse with a red yarn mane and yellow with red polka dots body. I got it when I was maybe three and it’s always been first to go on my tree, symbolizing the playful childhood joyful spirit.