This Year Looks Different . . .

But some things remain the same.

I bought this ornament years ago when my kids were little. I’m not even sure my youngest was born.

It became our tradition every year that we would hang this ornament first, front and center, to remind us that Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

We put Him first.

This year for the first time ever we purchased a fake tree. We purchased the tree because the only real trees left by the time we went shopping were less than lovely. And we couldn’t go sooner because we were quarantined with COVID. So we decided a fake tree is better than no tree at all.

We put Jesus on our little fake tree first. He is still the reason we celebrate, and while things look different this year, I am thankful that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Hollie Gilman

I’m a writer with a lifelong passion for learning. I’ve spent the last 24 years momming, teaching my 3 almost-grown-and-flown children, and working with my husband of 26 years. I’m loving country life (being a pretend farmer) just outside my hometown of Richmond, VA. Here is where I’ll spill my guts on the things of the heart we all share: faith, life, love, family, and anything else that tumbles through my mind.