Drew came out to the garage to find me looking with dread at the Christmas bins stacked three rows deep and nearly to the ceiling.” How many do you have?” he asked.

“Twenty not counting the outdoor decorations.”

“Twenty?” His expression showed concern.

“Well, I used to have a lot more.”

“The lit trees are enough. Save yourself the trouble of all that work.”

With the holidays come decorations, lights, sweets, family, and faith. As we get older, some of the traditions become more meaningful and some less. I have always enjoyed a house filled with Christmas. You can thank my mother for that. Everywhere you look you see a little glimpse of the season.

But after downsizing and being another year older, I wondered if all the decorating was worth the effort. I thought, This year it’s just you and Drew. While he likes some of the decorations, mostly the lights, he can enjoy Christmas without the rest. But then I realized, If I don’t take the decorations out of their bins, they will be hidden away for a whole year. And worse, I might start a pattern that they would never come out of their bins again.

I needed a new perspective. Although Jesus wasn’t born in December, we still celebrate His birthday on the 25th. I thought, The decorations are like the house putting on a party dress to attend Jesus’s birthday party. What little girl–sorry guys–doesn’t delight in having an occasion to wear her party dress? To feel the crinkle of a dress not often worn. The perfect shoes–black patent leather for me–and socks with those cute ruffles at the top. Pure delight.

There are of course more meaningful ways to prepare for Jesus’ birthday. But there is also real joy in seeking to look my best in honor of the one I am celebrating. Oh, I mean my house looking its best. Look out bins here I come.