Magical Christmas Tree Lights

Christmas tree lights have always been a joy for me to watch ever since I was a child. They somehow bring the magic of Christmas into our home. I remember sitting in front of the decorated Christmas tree, completely fascinated. I would turn off all the lights in the family room as the gorgeous Christmas tree lights gave a peaceful and serene glow.

Christmas was the best time of the year for me. I cherished playing holiday music while closing my eyes, breathing the fresh pine smells. My father would be in charge of putting the tree in the stand and making sure it was standing perfectly straight. Then, he'd step aside and let my mother take over. She'd carefully wrap the Christmas tree lights around the branches, making sure to hide as much of the cords as she could, while humming Christmas carols softly to herself. I'd always catch my father watching her tenderly.

After she was satisfied that all of the Christmas tree lights were absolutely perfectly placed and the cords were hidden, she'd plug them in. The tree would light up and come to life. I'd smile and get this burst of energy. She'd then, wordlessly, leave the room and I'd know that it was my turn to do my part of decorating the tree.

I was in charge of putting up the Christmas ornaments. So, I would gather all the lovely ornaments we had and carefully place them on the branches one at a time, spreading them all out evenly. When it came to the crystal and glass Christmas ornaments, I always took extra time; not because I was afraid to break them, but because they were special. You see, the glow from the Christmas tree lights would shine through those ornaments, making them look so much more beautiful. That was why I took the time to place them close to a light bulb.

If we had any extra strands of Christmas tree lights leftover, my mom would use them to decorate the banisters or wrap around the mirrors, making them look festive and elegant. No matter what she would do with the Christmas lights - whether carefully wrapping them around the tree branches or decorating normal and everyday household items, she had a way with everything she touched.

My mom taught me how to appreciate the simple things that represent the holidays, which I pass on to my own children now that I am a mother myself. Today I decorate our tree the same as my mom and I used to, carefully wrapping the Christmas tree lights around the branches and hiding the cords as well as I could. I make a point of buying extra Christmas lights for house decorating to brighten things around the house.

Oh, and my kids just love putting the Christmas ornaments up on the tree. The blown glass Christmas ornaments are extra special, and each one gets to be placed as close as possible to a Christmas tree light bulb. My daughters have taken to decorating the porches and patios as well as the front yard with outside Christmas decorations.

Christmases in our household are always special. The holiday season is something we look forward to every year. It is a time full of love, peace, and joy that we share with our loved ones and friends. I owe that all to my mother whom I miss dearly, and the vivid memories of the glowing magical Christmas tree lights.