As I sit here this cool Winter Texas night, my surroundings are a bit comical to me. There are stockings hanging over my fireplace, a white pom-pom garland strewn over my mantel along-side decorations of white fluffy bird, a deer, and twinkle lights. There is a tall sparkling winter flower arrangement in a wicker vase. Pine cones adorn my built-in bookshelves. I have faux miniature evergreens. A large Christmas tree in the center of my living room, full of toddler safe wooden, soft ornaments and more lights. My two prized “breakable” ones at the top. An evergreen garland lines my interior balcony and kitchen shelving. I have a large evergreen and red ribbon wreath hanging on my front door. This is a bit comical as I was raised Muslim.

When I was a kid, there were no decorations, there were no...

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