Our first time as a blended family putting the Xmas tree together 🎄

For me, decorating for Xmas is more than the usual holiday cheer. It represents compassion, gratitude, and possibility.

Yes, it’s been about family and watching my baby grow up, creating those happy rituals in a crazy world,

—but also a time of quiet reflection on how far I’ve come in the last decade from.. lost, homeless and alone to.. here.

As I write this I’m moved by the glow of the lights cascading over the warm wood of our new home, all together at last.
—-That tree that was gifted to Kiddo and me so many years ago when I had almost nothing to my name has been along for quite a ride.


Every year I whip up some hot cocoa and put on the Xmas tunes while Kiddo and I set everything up. Over time we’ve replaced lights, added ornaments and our Xmas village has new shops, but the tree stays.
It’s a symbol.
Kiddo says she wants it when she grows up. I’m not sure it’ll last that long, but I’m glad my efforts have left an impression.

Andddddddddd——
This marks the first year we welcome my partner and his son into our happy, lil tradition. I was nervous my bonus son wouldn’t be into it, but Peter was so excited to help out. John helped me get the room ready. The kids were giddy. Our pets were in holiday sweaters 🤷🏻‍♀️🤭🤣


I put on the music and made cocoa like always,
except everything is so different now. 🎄💖