v.13 A Very Pink Christmakkuh: Traditions, Family and Microjoys
Welcome to Life, Created—a new [old school] blog for modern times. This twice-a-week(ish) dispatch is a space for us to dig deeper, share ideas, recognize microjoys and build community beyond the mindless scroll.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Life, Created.
(and me, obviously. And Ira. And Shaker 🐈& Vivian, too.🐈⬛)
Our home is (once again) a kaleidoscope of Christmakkuh magic this year—pink lights everywhere, including outdoors, a pink holiday tree glowing like a beacon of joy, and a lucite menorah patiently waiting to shine on the mantle (because this year, Hanukkah and Christmas overlap on the 25th). Ornaments hang proudly, holding pieces of our story from seasons past and present. Somewhere along the way, food ornaments became our thing, and this year’s star addition is a ridiculously perfect glass chicken leg (sadly not shown here). 🍗 Even the plants get a holiday glow-up—because if we’re going over the top, everyone’s invited.
Cats, lights, and far too much pink collide in our little love nest, creating a sparklefest that feels equal parts obnoxious and (dare I say) sacred. Though honestly, it leans more toward obnoxious. The cat garlands are strung with care (high above everything else in an attempt to survive Vivian’s acrobatic ambitions), Black Santa proudly oversees the festivities, and every book and bauble beneath the tree doubles as cat deterrent.
Growing up, my family’s decorations included a giant Star of David beside a slightly creepy mechanical Black Santa and a white Mrs. Claus. I guess it was meant to represent our family? It was weird. And lovely. And also… weird. Did I mention that already?
Our current tree is filled with ornaments that reflect who we are today. The treasured ornaments from our childhood remain tucked away for now—maybe one day, in a home with space for several trees, they’ll have their moment. But this year, our pink tree celebrates our present selves. It’s not a rejection of the past but a loving nod to who we are as a family.
We’re also looking to find ways to honor Ira’s Indigenous (Lakota) heritage in our holiday traditions. (Have ideas? Please share.) Inspired by my mother-in-law’s family, we’d like to weave in elements of her culture— that echo her upbringing on the reservation. It’s a process that feels both humbling and exciting, a journey we’re just beginning. (Last year, for his birthday, I bought Ira this giant painting by a Canadian Indigenous artist, Tyler Tabobondung Rushnell. Ira added a big-ass bow to make it festive for the holidays. Look, we do what we can around here! 😂)
However you spend the next few days—I hope this season is filled with good stuff and reflections of all that you hold close.
Here’s to the traditions that ground us, the memories that shape us, and the new moments that remind us how much we have to celebrate. May your holidays shine in their own unique way—glass chicken leg and all. Wishing you many, many microjoys. x
Welcome to Life, Created.
With love, wisdom [and small mercies] from Montclair. xx
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