Dear Christmas Tree: I wish you were a year-round tradition, then our little house would always smell good and be lit up by the soft glow of all your lights.

Dear Penny: Remember how you decided to investigate the absolutely-terrifying tree skirt the other day? Apparently the ties in the back were so scary that you started shaking while on your (very bold) quest to sniff out whatever evil magic was back there. Sometimes I can’t even handle how cute you are.

Dear Mistletoe: Sorry Penny barked at you for like 5 minutes straight. Apparently you’re pretty scary too.

Dear Fireplace: Even though those stupid “natural” logs we bought are the worst (the wooooorst), you’re still the best. Let’s never part.

Dear Grandma Lynn: Because of you, I have an entire 7-foot tree’s worth of ornaments. I love putting them up every year, and they always make me think of you. I love you.

Dear Glass Ballerina: You were my most favorite ornament, and the very last one I went to put on the tree this year — but you slipped out of my hands and shattered on the floor. I’m pretty sure that I’ve had you a long time now (since 1990?), but I was still a little bit heartbroken when I had to sweep you off the floor and throw you in the trash.

Dear KC: I know you grumble about me “putting up Christmas” every year, but every year you give in and get me a tree, help me put it up, and deck the halls to my heart’s content. This year was a little above and beyond with that extension ladder. I love you.

Dear Christmas Shopping: You seem a little more stressful this year than usual. I think it’s because I didn’t get that extra week after Thanksgiving to feel on top of things. Oh well, you’ll get done eventually, right?

Dear Le Creuset: Totally BFFs right now! We’re gonna make so much soup together.

Dear Champagne: There’s been a rift in our relationship. We’ll probably be ok by New Year’s, but right now I need some space.

Love, Chelsea