O Christmas Tree

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Hands down, my favorite Christmas tradition is putting up the tree.

There’s just something about the smell of a beautiful evergreen mixed with the crisp winter air that really makes Christmas come alive for me.

And even though this weekend it was 65 degrees, and my family has switched over to a fake tree…

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the sentiments are still there.

At my parents home we have two trees.

One is filled with antique glass balls that my great grandmother brought over from Germany.


The other is filled with picture ornaments.

And that is my favorite tree.

You see, ever since my siblings and I were born, my mom has been collecting sets of picture ornaments for each year. So every Christmas, it’s fun to go and look at all the old childhood pictures and reminisce about the “good old days” … aka when Apple was simply “Macintosh computers” and kids still played in the woods after school.

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But anyways, this tree is truly a walk through history.

And for someone who is in recovery from anorexia, that is both good and bad.

You see, among those darling christmas photo ornaments showing childhood yearbook photos with missing teeth, and 90’s matching scrunchie/embroidered sweat suit outfits, there are a few ornaments that are not so endearing. Not so sweet. There are the photo ornaments of when I was in my disease.

Photo ornaments where the girl smiling back is unrecognizable: gaunt, hollow, and lacking life behind her eyes.

Those photo ornaments are a punch in the gut that remind me of the dark time, and the pain during my eating disorder.

So over Thanksgiving when I was home, my mom and I were putting up the photo ornament tree. And when I unwrapped the first ornament, I had the wind knocked out of me. Becuase there, staring back at me, was ED-me. It made me catch my breath. It was a photo of a girl who I no longer am. A girl who has been left behind.

And so I did something for the first time this year: I threw the ornament away.

That girl is not me. I mean, it was, but not anymore.

The girl hanging up these ornaments today is strong. Full of life. Full of love and hope. Firm in her recovery and alive in her faith.

And I’ll be damned if I put that photo up to be “glorified” and celebrated on the photo tree.


The girl in that photo has been laid to rest. She is not welcome on our tree of life. Our tree of love. Of family. Of joy. Of Christmas.

We all have little things that remind us of pain. Or remind us of struggle, a failed relationship, a missed opportunity, a detour in life. I wanted to put the past in the past. Once and for all. The joy and freedom of the Now will not be infiltrated by any reminants of the Then.


I’ll leave you with this little nugget from Collosians.

Put on your new self, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him…Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your [old self]. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things. 

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Who I am today, decorating the tree, this is my new self. The self that has been restored and loved and forgiven by my loving Father in Heaven.


My old self – my ED-self – has no place at our home or on our tree any longer.

Cheers to our new selves.

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111 responses to “O Christmas Tree”

    • Thank you so much. I am very sorry to hear that your daughter suffered from anorexia. I’m glad she is reclaiming her life. Recovery is definitely a life long journey. Thanks for stopping by. I will definitely keep you and your daughter in my prayers. hugs xx

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  7. This reminds me of giving away your old “sick” clothing. It’s getting rid of crap that doesn’t serve you and just takes up space. Just as those clothes are out of fashion and worn, those pictures are not worth keeping to remind you of who you are not.
    The worst is old FB pictures posted by friends that I cannot delete without asking them. I am too ashamed to tell them why I want them to take them down when they ask 🙁

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    • Hi Ellie! Oh girl, I FEEL YOU about the clothes. Getting rid of those “measuring clothes” was such a freeing experience. I don’t want to be reminded of that. I never want to be that size again. No way, Jose! Get ’em out! 🙂 And Facebook….can you hear the eye roll from here?!? lol How awesome though that you are no longer in that place, nor desire to be. That is such a huge testimony to your recovery. Rock on girl. Proud of you 🙂 xoxoxo

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  8. Beautifully written. As others have said, I love and admire your transparency. That’s the what leaders and role models are made of. I am so happy for your success and glad that you are well 🙂

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    • Thank you so much Amber. That really means a lot. 🙂 it has been a long journey for sure! But I’m grateful for your encouragement and positive words! Thanks for reading😍

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  9. Thanks for sharing. It is so important for others who are struggling to hear of success and faith and grace. And your encouragement is a gift to them.

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    • Thank you so much 🙂 That is my deepest hope: That someone who needs encouragement in the midst of a struggle will find it here. Thanks for this nugget of positivity 🙂 blessings to you!

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  11. BBB, I’m happy for your change on Life and the new you, you have become. I know it couldn’t have been easy, but you did it anyway. Good for you.
    By the way, from what I can see from the photo you have…(I’m guessing of yourself) you are a very lovely young lady.

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    • Hi Jim! Thank you so much. Recovery has definitely been a journey, but it is one I am grateful for everyday. And yes, that’s yours truly! Haha thank you for that ☺️ glad you stopped by! Have a great night!

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  12. What a lovely post 🙂
    Your strength is so poignant here. How wonderful that you are not that girl. You must be so proud of your growth.
    I have a real tree this year. Sometimes we do the artificial, tho. Both have their good and bad points. Cats are happy to wreck either one 😉

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    • Hi Joey! Haha cats 🙄 always know just how to push our buttons! Thank tou for such kind words. I am very grateful to be out of that place. That’s for sure. Thanks for stopping by! Have a nice evening! Hugs!

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  14. “The girl in that photo has been laid to rest. She is not welcome on our tree of life. Our tree of love. Of family. Of joy. Of Christmas.” — I can certainly understand your thinking on this. However, the disease, the eating disorder, has been laid to rest. The girl in the picture ornament has been made whole by the healing grace of the One whom we celebrate with our lovely Christmas trees. It can be difficult, sad, and heart-wrenching to see ourselves in the poor state we once were. And I will be the last one to question your decision to toss that reminder in the trash. I have yet to completely accomplish that. Your family loved you more than you will know during that terrible time. And they love you now that you are recovered.

    I would leave you with the following, “Heal the wound but leave the scar. A reminder of how merciful You are.” — From the song Heal The Wound by Point Of Grace.

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    • Hi Lizzy, what a beautiful quote from that song. thank you for sharing that. you bring up a great point. And actually, that was my mom’s response when she read this tonight. She said, (and i know she’s okay with me sharing), she said,

      “I think everything happens in God’s timing. And I’m glad that YOU were the one throwing it away, because through the eyes of a mother, there’s NO stage in any child’s life that you want to leave behind because we love you fiercely through ALL of them. I completely understand and celebrate your decision to get rid of it, but it is rightfully your place to do so. I have loved you everyday….good ones and bad ones.
      And yes…publish this. It is raw and beautiful.
      And let me know if there is anything else that knocks the wind out of you cuz home should be a place of comfort and rest!”

      I think I felt so strongly about throwing it away, not because i was getting rid of the girl in the photo, or ashamed of the girl in the photo, but that I was getting rid of ED, who was completely controlling me when that photo was taken. ED had taken residence in my soul. Truly. And, you’re so right — it was Jesus who saved me and rescued me from ED’s grip. So I was throwing away ED…not me 🙂 God, and my family, loved me, as my mom said-fiercely- through all of it, and didn’t think I needed to be “thrown out.” It was part of me, and none of that deserves the garbage can. I was just tossing ED out, because when I see that photo, I don’t even see me…all I see is ED’s decrepit hands around my life.

      I hope that makes sense. I really appreciate your feedback. You’ve made me think a lot this evening 🙂 I’m falling asleep now with a warmth in my heart, remembering how merciful He is. <3 Thank you for that reminder xox

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  15. I’m so thankful that you are an Overcomer–Sister, we all have something we’ve had to overcome…or are actively partnered with the Lord Jesus to gain the healing and wholeness He died to give us. For me, it’s depression–I’ve come along way with Him, but sometimes the blues get pretty dark. It only makes me lean closer into Jesus! God is Faithful, never forsakes us, never stops loving us unconditionally, never stops pouring His grace over us–new mercies every morning. Thank you for visiting my blog (it’s one of several 🙂 )–may God bless this wonderful time of year abundantly to you and your family. Merry Christmas, Jael

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    • Hi Jael, thank you for such a beautiful note. I appreciate you sharing your heart. You’re so right-God’s love IS unconditional. Isn’t that a comforting thought? It gives me so much peace. And I love how you say that we receive new mercies every morning. What a beautiful thought. I sometimes forget that. I’m waking up this morning with a warm spirit, remembering the gift of new mercies He so loving and unconditionally gives. Thanks for that reminder:) hugs to you friend ❤️

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    • Thank you so much, Gina. I agree. Christmas is for joy and family. Merry Christmas to you and yours too! It hard to believe that we’re less than a month away! Where did time go?!! Hugs!

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  17. Dear Beauty, you have again written a masterful narrative regarding your overcoming in the name of Jesus. Lizzy and your mom have made wonderful comment of support which basically mean, “do what you want to.” That’s freedom! Neither keeping nor throwing away is the “right” thing to do. Being free to do either is your call. I understand and I’m sure Lizzy and your mom do to.

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    • Thank you so much Oneta:) you’re right. They brought up a great point. It was so affirming to hear that, especially from my mom that she would not have thrown the photo away. I mean, I knew that in my heart, but just hearing her verbalized it was touching. I have really been blessed with amazing parents. I am grateful for that every day. Thanks for reading and for taking the time to respond!

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    • Hi Harry! Oh my, that does sound amazing. I love singing carols as well. When I was younger my friends would go door to door singing carols – it was such a special time. Thanks for stopping by! Blessings!

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    • Oh Lisa, thank you so much:) that’s a really great way to look at it! Thanks! Happy Christmas to you! (I can’t believe it’s already that time of year to say that again!!!) thanks for stopping by!

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  21. Beautifully stated and I truly needed this today…dealing with my parents and realizing I need to stay far away from them…far, far away…thank you for sharing…keep up the writing…you inspire…happy Christmas! xoxox

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    • Thank you Harlie. I’m glad this struck a chord with you. I hope that you and your parents can one day find healing:) thanks for stopping by! Merry Christmas! Xx❤️❤️

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  23. Food for thought… Never, ever be ashamed or afraid of your former self. For just as Christ defeated or conquered sin on our behalf, you have defeated or conquered your former self. To deny it presence in your life is akin to fear and anxiety. It may have controlled you for some time, however, YOU defeated it and now live in the present and are moving forward. Every challenge or fear I faced (and triumphed) over) in my life, I did so looking it squarely in the eye without flinching or blinking, steadfast with resolve and confidence of my victory… Forgetting about our former selves is also illustrative of not having the “scars” to remind us where we came from nor as our “badge” of victory as human beings…. Wear those memories like a Crown and a Queen for it is now whom you have become!

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    • Thank you for this wonderful perspective, MW. I appreciate such a thoughtful response. You’re right: with Christ I was victorious over that darkness and should celebrate that triumph. And I do. Every meal I eat, every time I put on an article of clothing that fits properly, every time I go out with my friends, those are all reminders of my victory. I guess I just didn’t want to have that skeletal face staring at me on the tree during such a joyous occasion. But I completely agree, it is good to have reminders of how far we’ve come. Thanks for stopping by and for giving me a fresh perspective on this 🙂 and also: congrats to you for triumphing over the challenges in your life too:) hugs to you!

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  25. Nice to see someone enjoying Christmas trees! My house is super tiny; and we finally switched from the six-footer to a little four-footer that goes on the table. But it’s actually prettier than the old one! 🙂

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  26. Another great post as always 🙂 Christmas trees are always beautiful to not only look at, but decorate as well 🙂 As for me, I always decorate the top of the tree with a lit up angel and we manage (amazingly enough) to fit a lit up star next to it 🙂 Another lovely sight to behold during christmastime is looking at the lit up decorations of other houses If one is riding home in a car, bus etc. 🙂 Everything you have said about yourself regarding your recovery from your past eating disorder is beautiful too 🙂 I am happy that you through that ornament picture of yourself out because who would want to remember a difficult and sad part of one’s past? Certainly, not me because it would bring back painful memories. I love how you close this blog entry with inspirational thoughts about God and Jesus and that quote from Collosians 🙂 Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂

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    • Hi John! thank you so much 🙂 wow an angel AND a star! How awesome! 👍👍 my little niece would love that! And I agree. One of my favorite traditions is driving around and looking at all the Christmas light on Christmas Eve. Yep, I had to get rid of that painful reminder. It had no place in our celebration. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing your wise perspective:) I’m grateful for you! Blessings!

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  27. So.. This is my first visit to your blog. And I love it! 🙂
    There’s a certain kind of honesty and optimism in your writing that I find refreshing. I understand that you have come past a phase in life that you no longer wish to recall. I totally respect your decision.
    Then again, the cropped photograph of a beautiful face at the end of your post. I assume it is you. Can’t imagine how pretty your full face must look then! 🙂
    Much love. Though we don’t really do Christmas where I come from (I know), Merry Christmas!
    Do feel free to visit my blog as and when you can.
    https://notionlux.wordpress.com/
    Keep writing and take care. 🙂

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    • Hi there! Thank you so much for this kind note and for taking the time to read! I appreciate your encouragement. 🙂 and yes, that is me 😊 thanks for that☺️ I look forward to checking out your blog! Have a lovely Christmas season! Blessings and love to you and yours! Hugs!

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  29. I am glad that you are claiming the ‘you’ that God intended you to be. I think when we come to faith in Christ, we put on the new self and then grow into it. I had many behavioral struggles as a teenager that I was very ashamed of. For a long time, I dissociated from the little girl that lived them and I think maybe, I needed to do that for a time and learn an entirely new way to live but greater healing for me came when I embraced her and gave her the love she needed and desperately tried to fill by some very bad methods. I’m not her but she is part of me and I’m not ashamed of her anymore. Together, we left those old coping methods behind and live a better life. God completely fills my every need and I’m no longer driven toward the self-destructive acts that the child I was sought relief from. I see you getting stronger with each post. God bless and keep you, always.

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    • Hi Pam, thank you so much for this beautiful note. Seriously. Your words are wise, and supportive and mean so much. How wonderful that you’re embracing and showing love to your old self love. That is so inspiring. And sounds so incredibly healing. I’m definitely on a journey, and that is the ultimate destination. God is good and I know that He strengthens me every day. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words! Hugs and blessings to you!

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  33. I think I’ve run across your blog before but I read about eots before this one (I’ve known of elf but never bought into it.)
    This is the post that got to me.
    The words resonated but it was the memes that prompted a comment because I’ve included those same thoughts on my posts.
    The journey has been long, & it is tiring.
    I feel like I’m thinking & writing jibberish at the moment but just wanted to say whether we are batting an ED or Autoimmune issues or whatever, Jesus is what counts. We can depend on Him.
    Blessings & thank you,
    – Kenzel

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    • Hi Kenzel! Thank you so much for this beautiful comment. You are so so so right. Jesus is what counts. We owe everything to him. Also, I don’t know if you have an autoimmune disease, but I have ul arrive colitis, so I can definitely relate. It’s A comfort to know we are always in His hands. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and blessings to you and yours!

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      • I do have AI issues…Hypothyroid/Hashimotos/Leaky gut & Adrenal stuff…that’s just the stuff I know about!
        For clarification, were u referring to ulcerative colitis?

      • hi Kenzel, gosh that rough. I’m so sorry that your dealing with those issues. Yes, I have ulcerative colitis. (Sorry about the typo before! Dang autocorrect. 🙄) I manage the disease with asacol and the specific carb diet. It’s nice to know that we’re not in this alone. We always have a Helper, even in the tough times. Sending hugs

  38. Wow. What a fabulous post. I love that you were able to throw away that old picture ornament and encourage, celebrate and love the new self that you are and honor God in how He’s healed/healing you. So important to put the past where it belongs, in the past and let the old self die and rest in peace. That is not an easy thing to do; the past is a tenacious, voracious beast, not easily defeated. Really enjoyed this one! Peace out!

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    • Thank you so much! You’re so right, the past needs to stay in the past so we can focus on the future. focus on hope and new beginnings. And yes, God is so incredibly good and merciful. I am so grateful for His healing every single day. Blessings and love to you! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

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