I gave my Christmas tree to Goodwill this year. No one wanted to help me decorate it and I’m tired of doing it myself. I would have to move a major piece of furniture to make room for it and it didn’t have built-in lights. Maybe next year I’ll get one that is easier to put up, but I doubt it. I’ve never been much of a decorator.

My house is decorated for the holidays, though. The advent calendar, which I made, is hung in its place of honor and my son is faithfully marking the days. The stuffed Santa has his place by the hearth and the stockings are already hung.

But I don’t think those are the decorations that really matter for the holidays. Traditional Christmas decorations are meant to remind us of the energy of the season. An energy to carry in our hearts. In our interior.

The Wreath is a symbol of God’s never-ending love for us and of God’s eternal nature.

The Evergreen Tree symbolizes everlasting life, just as the shape points upward to Heaven.

The Stockings symbolize our willingness to receive the gifts of the season. According to an old tale, three poor girls who were in dire need of money for their wedding dowries had hung their stockings by the fire to dry. Saint Nicholas – the first Santa Claus- upon finding out about their need, left a gift of gold coins in their stockings.

The Star is the symbol of hope and guidance. It reminds us that if we follow the Light we will be led to the Christ consciousness.

Of course, there are other decorations, as well, and each has its meaning. Whether you put them up in your house this year or not, keep them in your heart. That is the true meaning of Christmas.