The Magic of Perspective: A Lesson in Gratitude from a Christmas Long Ago

I was in my early twenties, a single mom to a 4-year-old, working as a preschool teacher, and barely making enough to live. Christmas that year was especially challenging. We had just moved into a one-bedroom apartment, a modest but significant step for us after renting a room in someone else’s house. The furniture we had was mostly second-hand, and much of the money I had was gone toward securing our first month’s rent and turning on the utilities. But one thing was clear: I was determined to have a cozy Christmas.

Even though things were tight, there was a sense of excitement in the air. I was so happy to have a place of our own, that the reality of our financial struggles didn’t hit me as hard as it could have. In my eyes, we were doing well — life was improving. I remember the simple thrill of having space to do arts and crafts without being in someone else's space. That alone was a victory.

Then came the Christmas tree. I remember buying a $20 tree from Walgreens, with no idea how we were going to decorate it. There was no money left for ornaments, but I was determined. My daughter was thrilled and announced that she wanted a princess tree.

I had no idea how to make it happen, but I wasn’t going to let her down. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t have, I focused on what I did: an assortment of craft supplies that could be transformed into something magical. We spread them out on the floor, which would have been the space for a kitchen table if we had one, and got to work. 

It was a vast assortment of beads, wire, twine, shells, etc. I told her, "Find all the princess colored beads." She did it with such excitement. In her eyes, not only was she getting a princess Christmas tree, she was getting to make the ornaments herself! I showed her how to string sparkly, clear beads to look like icicles, how pink and purple beads could be put on wire and twisted into spirals and elegant shapes, and how to create ornaments using the colors of the princess dresses she loved. 

Every day, after preschool, we would come home, excited to sit on the floor, eat dinner, and add new handmade ornaments to the tree. My heart swelled as I watched her happiness, even though I wished I could give her the princess-themed ornaments from the store. She didn’t know what we were missing. She only knew the joy of creating something beautiful together.

And therein lies the lesson of perspective. Life is always going to present challenges, but we have a choice in how we view them. Too often, we allow external factors to cloud our perspective: what we think should be happening, how we think we have it worse than others, or how we think a good situation should look. But when we make the choice to see gratitude, we uncover the opportunities in even the simplest situations. When gratitude is present, something magical happens — a princess Christmas tree can emerge from a tub of beads and sheer determination.

That Christmas taught me so much about how perspective shapes our experience. No, it wasn’t easy to keep that mindset every day. There were many moments of frustration and tears. But in my daughter’s eyes, she was getting exactly what she wanted. She didn't need store-bought ornaments or a luxurious lifestyle. She was grateful for what we had, and she was part of the process of making it happen. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes the best gifts are the ones we create with our hands and hearts. To this day, we still make ornaments together, cherishing the memories each one holds. Over the years, the tree has gotten bigger, and the presents have expanded. But so has the gratitude.

As we approach this holiday season, I challenge you to bring gratitude into your celebrations. The holiday season often brings heightened stress levels, particularly around finances. If you find yourself feeling the weight of it, I invite you to pause and reflect: What do you already have that you can be grateful for? Have you expressed that gratitude today? What would the worst-case scenario be if you weren’t able to buy the most expensive gift on someone’s list? Would you still have the joy of being with loved ones, creating memories, and sharing laughter?

There is always room for a shift in perspective, and when we allow ourselves to embrace gratitude, we create space for peace instead of stress. Gratitude lightens the load, freeing us from unnecessary worry and helping us focus on what truly matters. So, this year, if you’re feeling the pressure of the season, remember this: simplicity is where the greatest joy often resides. And gratitude is the tool that helps us experience that joy.

If you're struggling with what to give someone on your list, maybe consider gifting a gratitude journal. After all, gratitude is the greatest gift of all.