A Christmas tree from the author's childhood

The trappings of traditions can be seductive — but are they sustainable? Mine weren't.

All that glitters is not gold.

As the bell tinkled, we sprinted to the bottom of the stairs to catch a glimpse of the Christkind. Instead, we were stopped short by our Christmas tree in its entire splendor, candles glowing, tinsel glistening, and brimming with shiny wrapped gifts.