Snow, Flakes, and Cedar Magic

How could Ivory Snow dry detergent, mica flakes, and a cedar tree make for a warm Christmas memory that I will never forget, decades later?

A week or so before Christmas, my mother would load us kids up and head to her sister’s house in the country. We would then make our way to the woods to find the perfect cedar Christmas tree. Some would have bare spots, some would be too big, some too tall, and some too small, but eventually we would find the perfect (and sometimes not-so-perfect) tree. Oh, the scent of that fresh tree! 

Anticipation and excitement would follow as my mother would begin to transform that tree into something magical. She would use a mixer to blend the Ivory detergent into the perfect snow for the tree. She would put on rubber gloves and pull the “snow” through the branches. The next step was to sprinkle the mica flakes (made from the mineral) onto the wet “snow.” We waited overnight for it all to dry before we could decorate it the next night. 

Oh, how it would glisten when the Christmas lights were strung on it! I thought it was beautiful! Then we had the fun of hanging the aluminum icicles (and sometimes throwing them after we got tired of the process). The decorations that had been saved year after year would be placed on the tree. We would feel the excitement that Christmas was on its way!

After all the years have passed, and my mother has gone to her heavenly home, I see things more clearly about that tradition. She did all that work lovingly so her children could find joy and hope in celebrating Christmas. She also encouraged us to be a part of the kids’ nativity play at our church (now that is another story, for another time-ha ha!). 

Today as I reflect on those times, I feel a sense of peace, love, joy, and hope. Perhaps, just maybe, I can somehow pass the beautiful spirit of Christmas on to my children and grandchildren and to those I meet along life’s journey.