I sat down with my dad to talk about where my love of Christmas decorations actually comes from. I learned so much, and also realized lots of ways my attitude toward Christmas decor can help me with my other messy middles
We traced it back to his childhood in Cincinnati, going downtown to see the massive Christmas window displays. Then to the era of cutting down trees so big they had to be shoved through doorways with a running start. And eventually to our family's current setup featuring a 16-foot tree, 27 strands of lights, and so many handmade and gifted ornaments to tell much of our family story.
This conversation gave me something I didn't expect. It's not about perfection or magazine-worthy aesthetics. It's about embracing what my dad calls "grandiose chaos" - the kind of Christmas that's overflowing, colorful, chaotic, and full of genuine joy.
We cover the logistics of transporting a freshly-cut tree in a 1964 Ford Galaxy convertible, why bubble lights are non-negotiable, how my dad became the MacGyver of Christmas repairs, and why every ornament on our tree tells a story. From wedding favors to Coca-Cola memorabilia to the things my mom made.
Whether you're the type of person who loves an all-white-lights Christmas tree or a tacky decor lover, I hope you see some of your own traditions in this episode.
Mentioned in This Episode
Real Talk Conversations Guide - A framework I created for having intentional conversations with people in your life to document stories and make connections. If you want to have a conversation like this with someone you love, this guide walks you through how to do it.
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