My MIL Decorated a Christmas Tree at 70 — Just Pathetic!

It’s not every day that I walk into my mother-in-law’s house and get completely thrown off by what I see. But that’s exactly what happened recently when I visited her home and found a giant Christmas tree standing proudly in her living room, adorned with an array of ornaments and twinkling lights.

And when I say giant, I mean this tree was massive—decorated to the nines with an amount of care and effort I would expect from someone in their 30s or 40s, not a woman in her 70s.

At first, I thought, “Okay, maybe she’s just into the holiday spirit.” But when I asked her why she’d gone to all this trouble, her answer left me speechless. She said, “It reminds me of my childhood, decorating the tree with my mom before she passed away.”

At 70 years old, should she really be focused on things like this? Shouldn’t she be letting go of the past and looking ahead to spending time with her grandkids instead of clinging to old memories and decorating a tree by herself? I honestly don’t understand it. It feels like a waste of time and energy—especially when there’s so much to do for the younger generations in the family.

And don’t even get me started on the money she likely spent. Imagine how much that could have gone toward our family’s needs, especially during the holidays. We’ve got kids, bills, and a lot of things to consider. Yet, she chose to put money into something like this. I’m just left feeling confused and, frankly, a bit frustrated.

A Different Perspective: Why This Tradition Might Matter
Before I judge too quickly, I do have to take a step back and try to understand where my mother-in-law is coming from. Sure, it’s easy to view her actions as out of touch or overly nostalgic. But, maybe there’s something deeper at play here. The holidays are a time when many people reflect on the past, and for my MIL, decorating that tree might be more than just about the tree itself. It could be about honoring the memory of her mother and preserving a cherished tradition that was important to her growing up.

For some people, memories and family rituals are what keep them going, especially as they age. For her, this may be a way to feel close to the ones she’s lost and hold onto a piece of her past that brings her comfort. It’s not about clinging to the past in a harmful way, but rather celebrating a life that once was and carrying those memories forward.

Is It Really So Ridiculous for Seniors to Embrace Traditions?
I guess I’m not entirely sure where I stand on this issue. On one hand, it feels like maybe she’s holding onto something that doesn’t necessarily “fit” with her age. But on the other hand, I think about how I’d feel if, at 70, I was still creating memories and taking joy in things that bring me happiness, no matter how small or “childish” they might seem.

The truth is, everyone’s life is different, and we all age in different ways. While I may see the time spent decorating the tree as time wasted, to her, it might be something much more meaningful—a connection to her family’s past, a way of celebrating what she values most. In that sense, maybe it’s not as ridiculous as I initially thought.

Conclusion: A Little More Empathy
I suppose my reaction might have been influenced by the practical side of me, focused on time, money, and family priorities. But I also need to recognize that nostalgia and tradition can be incredibly important, especially for someone who’s lived a long life and wants to keep a piece of their history alive.

In the end, I think this situation just reminds me of how easy it is to judge other people’s choices without fully understanding the emotional significance behind them. Maybe my mother-in-law’s Christmas tree is her way of staying connected to something that makes her feel loved, remembered, and cherished. So, rather than seeing it as a waste, I should probably try to respect her choice and appreciate the memories she’s keeping alive.

After all, who am I to say what’s meaningful to someone else?

Why You Should Sleep With Garlic Under Your Pillow

Garlic has been used for centuries, not just in cooking, but also for its powerful medicinal properties. One surprising yet ancient practice is placing garlic under your pillow while you sleep. While it might sound unusual, there are several reasons why this tradition has stuck around, offering benefits for both sleep quality and overall health.

1. Promotes Relaxation and Better Sleep

Garlic contains sulfur compounds that emit a calming aroma when placed under your pillow. This natural scent helps to relax the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you struggle with insomnia or restless nights, this simple remedy can promote deeper and more restful sleep.

2. Boosts Immunity

Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, thanks to its high concentration of allicin, an active compound that fights off bacteria and viruses. While placing garlic under your pillow won’t directly enter your system like eating it, the scent may help create a protective barrier against airborne illnesses during cold and flu season.

3. Clears Nasal Passages

If you’re prone to congestion or sinus problems, garlic can help. The strong scent of garlic may act as a natural decongestant, helping to clear nasal passages and make breathing easier. This can be particularly helpful if you suffer from allergies or seasonal colds that affect your sleep.

4. Repels Insects

Garlic’s strong odor is not only unpleasant for bugs but also acts as a natural repellent for mosquitoes and other insects. Placing garlic under your pillow may keep unwanted pests away while you sleep, creating a more peaceful and uninterrupted rest.

5. Provides Spiritual Benefits

In various cultures and traditions, garlic has been used to ward off negative energy, evil spirits, and bad dreams. While these beliefs may be more symbolic than scientific, many people still practice sleeping with garlic as a way to create a sense of protection and safety during the night.

How to Use Garlic Under Your Pillow

  • Peel a clove of garlic and place it under your pillow before going to bed. You can also crush the garlic slightly to release more of its aroma.
  • For an added boost, place the garlic in a small sachet or cloth to keep your pillow clean while still allowing the scent to flow.
  • Replace the garlic every few days to maintain its potency.

Final Thoughts

Sleeping with garlic under your pillow is a natural remedy that can help promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, boost immunity, and keep insects at bay. Whether you’re looking to improve your health or try an ancient practice for better rest, this simple trick is worth a try!

Related Posts

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*