A Song, a Tree, and Thirty Christmases

Reflecting on life’s changes and constants through three decades with Mariah Carey’s holiday classic.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

That afternoon, I opened a WhatsApp message from my son. He had sent me an Instagram reel of Mariah Carey declaring, “It’s time!” For the past few years, social media has been buzzing every November 1st with this moment — the unofficial start of the Christmas season.

And who better to announce it than the Queen of Christmas herself? (I know, debates about who truly deserves that title are endless, but for now, let’s just go with it.)

I decided to wait until Saturday to unpack my Christmas tree and decorations. Saturdays have their own little rhythm in our home. My son usually comes over for lunch and stays the afternoon, sometimes until late in the evening.

That Saturday, though, the rhythm seemed different. Outside, a consistent rain fell, cooling the air following weeks of intolerable heat in Jakarta. The city, which had been baking under 35-degree heat, felt alive once more, refreshed. It was perfect weather for a cozy holiday tradition…