The Simple Things: An Unexpected Note

Christmas tree at night 2025

Yes, Virginia, I still have my Christmas decorations up.

This year, Christmas was hectic, with houseguests, new church activities, and illness. After New Year's, we were still recovering from the flu, which left us low on energy and with persistent brain fog until mid-January. Every weekend after Epiphany, I intended to take down the Christmas tree, which I hadn't completely decorated. Overall, the holiday season felt quite underwhelming.

Last week, I gradually took down a storage box at a time, aiming to remove the ornaments slowly. My goal was to have the tree taken down by February 1^st. However, every evening, the tree seemed to mock me as I went upstairs to sleep, standing as a reminder of unfinished tasks. I felt guilty for not removing the festive decorations sooner, especially when I drove through our neighborhood, which was devoid of holiday lights and decorated trees. We were the last holdouts, keeping Christmas alive. But I assure you, it wasn't a rebellious act against the new year. It was simply procrastination that kept the tree up and decorated. I admit I was being lazy, but I also hoped to find some holiday cheer to energize the new year. 

Christmas tree during the day. 2026

Midweek, I told my husband and daughter I would take down that tree by the end of Saturday, no matter what. Never make a vow or promise you can't keep. By Saturday afternoon, I had removed two ornaments. Saturday evening, the boxes remained untouched, and the ornaments still decorated the tree. The guilt in the pit of my chest grew, but it still wasn't enough to motivate.

All day, we had eagerly waited for the hyped-up snowstorm–a foot or more, they kept saying. When the flurries began, my husband kept checking how much had fallen. Eventually, he opened the front door to measure the snow again and noticed an envelope tucked into my makeshift Christmas wreath, now a Valentine's wreath with red corduroy hearts. The envelope contained a note.

The note read:

The Note.

            Hello, just wanted to say that we look across the park every night and see your Christmas tree. Makes us so happy. Thanks for still having it up. XOXO Julian, Justin & Jaden

At that moment, the guilt faded, replaced by gratitude for the simple note from our neighbors. It seemed their note was a divine blessing. We intended to take down the tree eventually, but for now, why not enjoy the gift of the season we had missed while being sick and busy? 

            It's February 5^th, and the decorated tree is still up. Since last weekend's snowstorm, we've learned that many people keep their decorations until Mardi Gras or Candlemas — 40 days after Christ's birth and presentation at the temple. We weren't aware of this tradition, which makes it all the more reason for Julian, Justin, and Jaden to see the tree from across the park.

If you believe that, Virginia, I've got swamp land in Florida to sell you. ;-)

I might take it down this weekend, but Mardi Gras isn't here yet.