Good morning…
After a lifetime of having big fat Christmas tree, my husband and I decided to “go thin” this year. Honestly, it was the best tree we could find at Home Deposit in the 9 to 10 foot bin, at 8:00 pm last Friday night.
I am reminded of Sue Monk Kidd’s Facebook post, as she and her husband decided to “go little” this Christmas. A friend sent me her thoughts and I could relate.
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Go Little by Sue Monk Kidd, December 5, 2025
After a lifetime of having big tall Christmas trees, my husband and I decided to “go little” this year. At first, I was unsure about it. I didn’t want it to feel like we were downsizing Christmas. But going little can make room for more time, more simplicity, more peace, more energy, more spaciousness, more breathing room. Less can be more. (I know, sometimes more is more when it comes to Christmas trees— I get it. There are plenty of other ways to “go little” at Christmas.)
So, here is our little bird tree. In her poem, “I Happened to be Standing,” Mary Oliver wrote, “But I thought, of the wren’s singing, what could this be if it isn’t a prayer.”
I find the poetic notion of birdsong as a prayer enchanting. What surprised me is that scientifically the effect it has on our human brains is actually quite prayer-like. Multiple studies show that birdsong significantly lowers stress, improves mood, calms anxiety, and rejuvenates mental clarity. This is because it offers subtle cues that signal safety and well-being. Evolution taught humans over thousands of years that when birds sing, the environment is safe—no predators, danger, or storms. When birds become hushed, it’s time to worry.
This holiday season has gained a reputation for being the “season of overwhelm.” Chronic stress has long-term effects on everyone’s health. For those of us with Parkinson’s, too much stress worsens symptoms. Which is why we found at least one way to “go little” and why we adorned our tree with reminders to listen to the birds “praying.”
Peace be with you.
…Sue…
