I’m not a fan of shopping or buying much, but what I have bought into is Christmas. It took some time, but I did it. I love Christmas. I fell in love by the spoken law of a beautiful older Greek woman. You can read about it here. And over the years that I have not lived with her (about seven), I have created my own traditions
The Traditions
The Tree:
Every year, when it feels right, I go out with my person and we each pick a tree. I get nervous every time, worrying if the tree will be crooked or oddly shaped, and then I think about A Charlie Brown Christmas and know that whatever tree I pick, I will love it. Kev cuts off the end and I save it for an ornament. I set it up in the living room, unwrap it from the nylon cord, set the camera on time-lapse, and watch it breathe open. I put a tiny nativity set I’ve had for 37 years at the base and decorate tree and mantle.
Music:
Working at a mall during my college years, the Christmas season was a lot. Having to listen to seasonal music was even more. However, now I put on all sorts of Christmas playlists. I hit play from the beginning of December until December 25th.
Along with music:
Annually, since I was introduced to it, I listen to The Shepherd by Frederick Forsyth, read by Alan Maitland. It’s a non-traditional Christmas story. I set it up, grab myself a cup of something hot, shut off the lights, and just listen. I encourage you to have a listen next Christmas.
The MacLean Christmas Lights:
Ian is a generous farmer who covers every tree in his farmyard with Christmas lights and opens it to the public. He asks for donations that go to the 1D ward at the hospital, which holds a special place for him, as a family member once spent time there. Each year I go, I see something new, and each year I am grateful that this old farmer is still there—putting a twinkle in the eyes of his visitors and a twinkle (or a million) on the snowy prairie.
The Holiday Train:
This train drives right by my house. It’s decorated with lights, and one car opens up as a stage for the performers onboard. People gather—bundled up, toques and mitts on, huddled together—to dance, sing, and feel the Christmas spirit.
The Sibling Supper:
For quite a few years now, my siblings and I decided it was time to stop buying each other unnecessary gifts. Instead, we go out to a really nice restaurant and order cocktails, appetizers, main courses, and desserts. We take our time, talk a lot, take photos, and stack another memory together.
Wreath Making:
Two years ago, I made a wreath with trimmings from trees on deserted acreages. I added ribbons and dried oranges. Was it a little lopsided? Yeah, it was. Did it look homemade? Yep. Was that the point? Absolutely. I was so happy with the crafty result that I did it again—and again. This year, on a walk, I found a tree with a broken branch. I went back, clipped some greenery, thanking the tree. I loved this one the best. I think I’ve said that every year.
There are a few other traditions—making baklava, drinking mulled wine, ice skating, and hanging out with my people. There are some new ones too, like eating lefsa and lutefisk on Christmas Eve and playing games.
I love these traditions, but I also understand that life will inevitably change, and these traditions might too. They may be replaced with new ones, or evolve in their own way. I live with gratitude for my shift in perception of this time of year, for fully leaning into what the season is about: hope and love and family, peace, and joy.
I’m a week into 2026 but still lingering in the twinkle of Christmas. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season.
As always, thank you for reading, Lovelies.
Angie Counios 
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