My Minimalist Christmas Tree: A Reflection on Simplicity and Nostalgia

How many ornaments did you put on your Christmas tree this year? Not a single one. The kids did it.

For years, I amassed numerous ornaments that spanned over forty-five years, collected with my late wife. However, with her passing, my traditions changed significantly. Last year, there were no ornaments, and I wonder, how about you?

I now have three boxes, each measuring 18x18x18 inches, filled to the brim with ornaments of various shapes and sizes. This year, I only put up half of what I have, a total guess of around 170 ornaments. Such downsizing reflects not only a change in the scale of my tree but also my priorities as we navigate life's changes.

My current Christmas tree is far from extravagant. It stands at about 2 feet tall, adorned with black and orange lights. It’s simple enough to set up in less than a minute. Unlike previous years, my tree is something I only see occasionally, given the circumstances. This year, I’ll be the only one to see it, a stark contrast to the vibrant gatherings of yesteryears.

For those who might be curious, I generally use about 50 ornaments, fewer than in previous years due to a lack of time and motivation. With only one tub of ornaments, I find this enough. The pandemic has certainly added to the challenge, as I’ve been the lone admirer of my display in recent years.

My tree reigns in a small box for 51 weeks of the year. It stands at just three feet tall, featuring prehung red lights. I pair these with mini red bulbs and add some red bows with green stripes. This setup not only looks charming but also serves as a reminder of happier times when my live tree was bedecked in blue.

While simplicity might be the guiding principle, my decor isn’t entirely sparse. I use just enough ornaments to make the tree inviting but not cluttered. Too many ornaments might detract from the planned and cohesive look. For me, it’s about striking a balance between comfort and beauty, a nod to both nostalgia and reality.