In the hustle and bustle of today’s fast-paced world, my family’s holiday traditions are some of my most cherished treasures—specifically, my mother’s gift of decorating our home every year. Mama not only crafted beautiful holiday traditions for me and my siblings growing up, but also for my children at every home we have lived in. So, as the holiday season comes into full swing, I want to pay tribute to my mother who is truly a remarkable woman.
When I was a child, holidays in our household were simply magical. Mama has always had a gift for interior design. The holidays were her favorite time of year, and she always adorned our home with the most amazingly beautiful decorations. When Russ and I married and started our family, his job required him to relocate often. Mama would fly to wherever we lived and decorate our home. We would discuss the colors and theme that I wanted, and she would bring my vision to life. She transformed our home into a winter wonderland. She even put a tree in each of my children’s rooms.
We came to look forward to her annual decorating trips. Her taking the time to come decorate our homes was her gift to us, and it was the best gift—better than anything that could be bought. I felt just as excited about those decorations as I did when I was a child. Just as the Christmas lights shined and twinkled, my mother’s love added a little sparkle to every holiday season. But Mama’s influence extended far beyond the garland, ribbon, and lighting of the tree; her love helped to shine the light that lives within me.
I have so many fond memories with my mother, and not just around the holidays. Perhaps one of my favorites is when she came to my elementary spelling bee. I was so nervous that I misspelled my first word. As you can imagine, I was discouraged and disappointed in myself. I remember walking off the stage with my head hanging down and sitting down next to my mother who was in the audience. Mama wrapped her arms around me, squeezed me tight, and told me that it was okay—that I was still her little superstar. That moment was a reminder that she loved me unconditionally. She did not allow me to feel sorry for myself or beat myself up. She reassured me that I would learn from this and do better at the next one. Her mantra was always, “Do your best, and God will do the rest.” Her love gave me great confidence, even when I made a mistake.
My mom had a dream of becoming a decorator and interior designer. Like many women, she put her dreams on hold to raise me and my siblings. She found joy in decorating our homes every year instead of creating a business and doing it for other people. Sadly, mama was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2013, and this has prevented her from decorating our home like she used to. She was disappointed and sad that she could not decorate for us, but she never let it dampen her spirit. She has continued to be my biggest supporter and encourager. When I was in my darkest moments, my mom sent me scriptures, text messages of encouragement, and cards in the mail. I could feel her love poured into each word of every message.
Mama, thank you for teaching me how to display grace while faced with insurmountable pressure. You showed me how to show up fully as myself without worrying about what the world thought of me. Your lessons molded me into the woman I am today. You taught me to have a heart for people, a commitment to love and to serve, and a dedication to doing so authentically.
By continuing our Polote family holiday traditions, we honor you, Mama. Your love, your artistry, your wisdom, your phone calls, text messages, cards, and hugs are the gifts that keep on giving. You have left an indelible mark on our hearts, and your legacy will forever live on in every beautifully decorated room and in the kindness we show to others during this special season—and always. Thank you for being the heart and soul of our holiday traditions. I love you, sweet Mama.
Sis, what are some of your favorite holiday traditions and what are the stories behind them?
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Every fond memory of my grandmother and mom centers around the holiday too! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Hey Artsy Girl! I love that we have fond holiday memories with our matriarchs in common. Thank you for taking the time to read & comment. Wishing you & your family a blessed & safe holiday season!
This was a beautiful tribute to your Mom and a great example of what family is priceless. One of my most incredible memories of my family is sitting around the house, eating, laughing, and enjoying each other.
Thank you so much, my sister. There is nothing like enjoying that time with family. I’m so glad that you have those memories, too. Love you much & sending warm holiday wishes to you & the family! Thank you for taking the time to read & comment!
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman! Although my mama is in heaven, I felt her love, support, and joy through your tribute. Thank you for taking the time to share a mama’s love and lessons for life. May God continue to bless and keep you and your mama.
My beautiful sister – I know your mama is watching over you & your family. I also know that she is so very proud of the woman you are. Sending you & your beautiful family all my love and warmest wishes for a blessed holiday season. Thank you so much for taking the time to read & comment.
Thank you so much, my sister. There is nothing like enjoying that time with family. I’m so glad that you have those memories, too. Love you much & sending warm holiday wishes to you & the family! Thank you for taking the time to read & comment!
Another beautiful tribute sweetie. I know this tribute has touched many, especially your Mother! Thank you for sharing your world with us. 😘♥️
I am so glad that this tribute touched your heart, sister. Love you! Thank you for taking the time to read & comment.
Such a beautiful family tradition and I love all of the decor, especially the dining room table! Thanks for the inspiration, Cheryl! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Thank you for your kind words, Kathie! Thank you for taking the time to read & comment!
What a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to your mother. This tribute brings back so many shared memories of my mother. My mother also taught me how to display grace while faced with insurmountable pressure. She taught us to always show up authentically with our heads held high. And to always let our light shine absent the brag. My mother passed her heart for people, her grace and commitment to love and to serve, down to me and my sisters. Thank you so much for being a beacon of light Cheryl. God bless you and keep you always. I look forward to all that’s in store in 2024.
I love that we share a common bond in admiring the strength, love & grace of our mothers. Let’s keep making them proud, sister. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Christmas is my favorite time of year – and your sweet sentiments are the reasons why! My mother’s knack for making things just right and festive during the holidays has been passed down to me, and I so appreciate her for it! I get such joy during the season, and each year brings fond new memories that I will treasure for always.
Yes, Candice! Nothing like continuing those holiday traditions. Thank you for taking the time to read & comment.
Our family loves the holidays. We spend time together cooking, baking, decorating our home, and listening to music. My mom takes out the photo album and tells stories about my grandmother Ruby and how stylish she was with decorating every area of her life. My grandmother passed before I was born. Hearing about her gives me joy. I will carry on that tradition.
This is exactly what the magic of the holiday season is all about. I am so glad that you enjoy making those memories with your family. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment.
Excellent read and reflective article on remembering what holidays really are about – creating memories
I could not agree with you more, Kaldejia. Thank you so much for taking the time to read & comment.
What a beautiful tribute to your mother! My favorite traditions are those of decorating the house from front to back. Having family members and friends come over, spending time together feasting on the food, loving on each other and tons of laughter.
I love those traditions, Regina. I want to thank you for taking the time to read & comment!
I love this tribute to your mom! Like you, my mother’s favorite time of the year is Christmas. When we go to Savannah for Christmas, it is magical! The whole family being there, grocery shopping, cooking, laughing, playing games…..there aren’t enough words to express the joy and happiness that is felt amoung all of us! It’s the memories and traditions that sustain me when I can’t be there or my mother can’t do everything she used to (although she tries!). Thank you for this reminder of just how precious those memories and traditions are. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you so much, Yolanda. Yes, yes, yes. Those memories are more precious than gold. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment!
What a beautiful tribute to such an amazing Queen! A mother like truly deserves to be honored. Reading your story brought my heart such great joy. It’s those type of memories that keeps the light shining encouraging us to keep moving forward. Love this personally!
Thank you so much Tammy. I love you dearly & appreciate you taking the time to read and comment!
What a beautiful tribute to your mother whose essence resonates in you. What stands out the most to me is this and I quote, “But Mama’s influence extended far beyond the garland, ribbon, and lighting of the tree; her love helped to shine the light that lives within me.”
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment! I appreciate you, Sharon!
Thank you Cheryl for sharing your wonderful holiday moments with your mom and how she shaped you into the woman that you are!
I too experienced great holiday moments as a child! My parents went all out on holiday decor! The outside was a beautiful sight to all! The inside especially on Christmas morning was absolutely breathtaking! The tree, the gifts for 6 children, the bags of fruit and candies! Simply amazing!
Lastly, it’s funny you mentioned spelling bees! I too participated in them with the prompting of my elementary teacher! It was probably the catalyst to becoming an author.
Happy New Year & God Bless!
AJR
I love that we have a love for holidays and the spelling bee in common! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment! God Bless you!