Here we are—December, closing in on the year’s end.
Although I know the significance of the holidays we celebrate in December—the religious meaning and the traditions—I find myself focusing, or perhaps I should say noticing, and taking the time to absorb the decorations. Not just in homes, but in public places as well.
Growing up in Greece in the 1950s, I don’t recall decorating Christmas trees. Gifts arrived from Saint Vasilios on New Year’s Eve. I didn’t know what Saint Vasilios looked like. I discovered the red-suited, white-bearded man, who delivered gifts, when I arrived in the United States.
At eleven years old, I not only learned that Santa Claus delivered gifts on Christmas Eve, but I also discovered the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree. I’m not sure when Santa Claus began delivering gifts at Christmas in Greece, or when tree decorating became common there, but I know it has been that way for decades now. Unfortunately, it has also become as commercialized in Greece as it is here in the United States.
I admit I embraced this new way of celebrating. As I grew, so did my desire to decorate.
A long way from my first Christmas tree!
The decorated windows of Jordan Marsh and Filene’s department stores in downtown Boston captured my attention. Humongous gift boxes wrapped in shiny paper, with bows so large I had seen nothing like them. Scenes of a living room with a mother and children dressed in their best. There was a tree—but not like the trees we see today. They were small, with a few ornaments, some tinsel, maybe a bow.
The windows displayed merchandise and toys, offering onlookers choices for gifts. I lingered the longest at the toy windows. Dolls with eyes that moved, hair in colors I had never seen—so different from the rag dolls I knew and loved. These were magnificent. Stuffed animals too—dogs, cats, and teddy bears, all different. So much to see.
When I first saw all this, I didn’t imagine—didn’t even entertain the thought—that I would have any of it. I simply enjoyed looking. And of course, I was delighted and deeply grateful when I spotted a doll under our tree on my first Christmas in the United States. She was the size of a toddler with brown curly hair in a pink ruffled organza dress. I couldn’t believe how many gifts were under the tree. A brand new experience that became a tradition the rest of my life.
My first Christmas in the United States
Perhaps some of that childhood curiosity resurfaced within me this year, which is why I became so absorbed by Christmas decorations. With a lifetime of experiences behind me, I now see décor as more than colors and shapes. I see people’s creativity and generosity. They offer something of themselves to enhance another’s experience—to lift the spirit, to create something beautiful. They share, even knowing they may never meet the people who stop to admire their work.
Currans Flowers, Danvers, MA
From the town tree to neighborhoods, hotels, restaurants, and all in between—lights, garlands, and more—quietly asking us to pause, notice, and enjoy.
Beauport Hotel, Gloucester, MA
Beyond the lights and decorations, December reminds us to reflect on faith, generosity, and what’s really important—to remember the stories and traditions and the meaning of the celebrations.
Love decorating my trees!
If you are interested in the traditions that shaped my early years, you can read more about Saint Vasilios and Greek Christmas https://lovemygreece.com/greek-santa-claus-agios-vasilis-new-year-tradition/
For the religious significance for Christmashttps://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-the-meaning-of-christmas.html
and Hanukkahhttps://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/102911/jewish/What-Is-Hanukkah.htm