what can i say? no matter where i am, i need some form of holiday tree. whether in a dorm room, a small apartment, a house shared with friends, or a large space with a big front window (my favourite one yet), i insist that a Christmas tree for me must take shape.
in university, my roommates and i used to spend a day making a fireplace out of bristol board, and trees out of cardboard. we strung garland, and made gingerbread houses, and watched love actually, and drank hot chocolate. it was an important tradition.... one that we insisted on, even when we were all in the midst of studying for exams (no no, not procrastination - a mental health break! i promise).
when i was in residence, i made sure that as soon as december 1st came around, my students saw my holiday spirit - because it meant more than the holiday you celebrated. it meant that home was not too far away. it meant that the semester was winding down, and that snow sports and activities were about to begin. it meant so much more than just a tree.
now, i live in a small apartment by myself. my tree is a red and gold sparkled stand alone one. i put it on a stool or a small end table, and that serves as the place where i stack all my gifts, and my cards for friends and family. and it does the trick. and this year, it even upgraded with a small, glittery (because, well, it's me) star on top. in my small teensy apartment, it's all i need.
when i'm back to having my large tree (which is currently sitting in my parent's basement until i have a place big enough to house it again), these are the decorations that will adorn it.
in university, my roommates and i used to spend a day making a fireplace out of bristol board, and trees out of cardboard. we strung garland, and made gingerbread houses, and watched love actually, and drank hot chocolate. it was an important tradition.... one that we insisted on, even when we were all in the midst of studying for exams (no no, not procrastination - a mental health break! i promise).
when i was in residence, i made sure that as soon as december 1st came around, my students saw my holiday spirit - because it meant more than the holiday you celebrated. it meant that home was not too far away. it meant that the semester was winding down, and that snow sports and activities were about to begin. it meant so much more than just a tree.
now, i live in a small apartment by myself. my tree is a red and gold sparkled stand alone one. i put it on a stool or a small end table, and that serves as the place where i stack all my gifts, and my cards for friends and family. and it does the trick. and this year, it even upgraded with a small, glittery (because, well, it's me) star on top. in my small teensy apartment, it's all i need.
when i'm back to having my large tree (which is currently sitting in my parent's basement until i have a place big enough to house it again), these are the decorations that will adorn it.
