Family Tree

My sister came to stay over the weekend and as usual we lay in a bed of nostalgia, recalling childhood memories. After my dad passed over, my mum decided she did not want to celebrate Christmas again. She wrote few cards that year, gave money as presents while the loft hatch remained tightly shut. After many years of beautiful festive decor, seven foot trees and an endless supply of cheer, our family home became silent. The coldness pierced through skin as one walked into the hallway, no fairy lights to guide your way into a transformed drawing room. As the years progressed, mum has adapted a little more to the spirit of Christmas, putting on a brave front for her children and most of all, the four grandchildren whom she adores. Each year, a few more ornaments have been taken down from the loft space and the cards have once more resumed. Yet she has always maintained her decision about not having a tree in the house. It was my dad's favourite part of Christmas and to have a tree only reminded her of the fact that he no longer shares her life, on our earth plane.


However, my sister and her daughter are staying with mum for a while and this seems to have brought back the wonderful cheer that our parents always insisted should take place. At three years old, my niece, Precious, revels in Christmas; the sparkle; the magic; the peace that is family. So mum has changed her mind about having a tree in the house, perhaps just for this year. Fortunately, I have an artificial one stored away which mum bought me eleven years ago when I lived on my own. It is a gorgeous Spruce with pine cones attached to some of its branches and stands around 5ft tall. I have always loved having it adorned during Christmas but last year was the first time we had a real tree at the farm house, so the Spruce lay in its box, in need of a little TLC.


My mum has agreed to take it. I am so thrilled. Not only will Precious enjoy a traditional Christmas but Amy will be most excited when she sees it in the house, the first one she will ever remember at Grandma's. We know it will be beautiful to see but we also know that mum may reflect a little more than usual each time she turns on the dainty white fairy lights. I also know that my dad will be happy knowing that his beloved family have once more been brought together by his undying love.